How long will this last in the refrigerator after making?

I plan on making some to give as gifts for christmas, but I don't want
to be making this during the time that I would normally be making
cookies (2-3 days before christmas)

Preferrably I'd like to make it a week or more in advance, but I don't
want it to go stale. In my house, it doesn't last that long :-)

Ohh, and I normally beat this by hand, but if I use my kitchenaid, will
the results be different?

---------- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.05

Title: OLD FASHIONED FUDGE
Categories: Candies, Chocolate
Yield: 24 Servings

-Marge Nemeth-GNFK05B
2 c Sugar
2/3 c Milk
1/2 ts Salt
2 tb Corn syrup
2 oz Unsweetened chocolate OR
1/3 c Cocoa
1 ts Vanilla
2 tb Butter

Butter Loaf pan. Combine sugar, milk, and cocoa( or chocolate),
cornsyrup, and salt in 2 quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring
constantly, until chocolate melts and sugar is dissolved. Cook, stirring
occasioanlly, to 234 F( soft ball stage) Remove from heat, add butter.
Cool mix to lukewarm(120 F). Add vanilla, and beat vigorously and
continuously 5 to 10 minutes with wooden spoon ( or Mixmaster) Mix will
hold its shape when dropped from wooden spoon, shine will not be there.
Quickly stir in nut( if desired), spread quickly and evenly in buttered
pan. Cool until firm, cut into squares.Makes one pound.