Learn how to be ready for Christmas before December this year and every year after!
The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, it can also be a period of high stress and frantic last-minute preparations. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to enjoy a calm, organised, and joyful Christmas without the December rush?
I’ve learned that the key lies in early preparation. Planning ahead can reduce stress, spread out expenses, and allow you to really enjoy the holiday spirit.
In this blog, I’ll cover practical tips on planning, shopping, decorating, and creating meaningful family traditions so you can be ready for Christmas before December even begins.
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1. Start Planning Early {yes, I mean months in advance!}
Plan Ahead by Creating a Holiday Calendar
The first step to a stress-free Christmas is to start planning early. Start by creating a holiday calendar in October or even earlier. It may be too early to know exact dates for events, such as family gatherings, school events, and community activities, but just create a rough timeline based on previous years. This will allow you to schedule time for shopping, decorating, and other preparations, help you stay on track, and ensure you don’t forget any essential tasks.
Create a Budget
Creating a holiday budget shouldn’t be skipped. Overspending is incredibly easy; buying a few things here and there can add up to hundreds of dollars. I recommend setting a realistic budget for how much you plan to spend on gifts, decorations, food, and activities.
If you have to travel to see your family, also consider this in your budget. We travel to see my family every Christmas, and it quickly adds up! Track your expenses in a simple spreadsheet or on your phone to stay within your budget. By shopping early, you can take advantage of sales and discounts, spreading out your spending over several months.
Check out my guide on 9 ways to have a merry Christmas on a budget!
2. Start Shopping Early
Write Out Your Gift Lists
Start by jotting down gift ideas for your loved ones in your phone notes. This will help you stay organised in advance and allow you to buy items early in the year when they might be on sale. Having lots of time to find the perfect present will help you avoid the last-minute rush.
Early shopping also enables you to take advantage of sales and online deals, saving you both time and money. You’ll find sticking to your budget is easier, and you’ll feel less stressed!
Stocking Stuffers and Homemade Gifts
It’s a great idea to stock up on small, versatile gifts that can be used as stocking stuffers or last-minute presents. Homemade gifts are my favourite and are an affordable way to give something meaningful without needing to spend too much money.
If you plan ahead and decide which homemade gifts you would like to make, you will have enough time to buy all the supplies ahead of time so you are ready to go in December.
Gift Giving Inspiration:
Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Woman
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Buy Now → Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Men
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Buy Now → Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids
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Buy Now → Wrapping Tips
Be creative with your wrapping supplies this year. You don’t need to spend extra money on expensive wrapping paper and ribbons. Try recycling packaging like paper bags or newspapers. This also means you can start wrapping gifts as you buy them, which will save you from a marathon wrapping session in December! We’ve all been there!
If you are a sewer, try making these reusable drawstring bags for gifts.
3. Keep Your Decorating Simple
Pick a Theme
Choose a theme or colour scheme for your Christmas decorations in advance, so you can concentrate on other aspects of the holiday season and enjoy yourself! If you already have decorations from previous years, consider using them for the upcoming season. If you don’t want to change themes every year (because who has the time or money for that!), I recommend sticking to a minimal or traditional style.
Check out my guide on Old-Fashioned Christmas Decorating Ideas to Bring Nostalgia to Your Home for more inspiration!
Traditional Christmas Decorations
Vintage Traditional Christmas Ornaments
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Traditional Christmas Nutcracker
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Cable Knitted Christmas Stockings
Buy Now →Start Decorating Early
Gradually start decorating the inside of your home early. Begin with areas like the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Test and hang your outdoor lights before it gets too chilly outside. This slow and steady approach will make decorating feel less overwhelming and more enjoyable.
Plan Out Crafts Early
Have you always wanted to make some holiday decor but never had the time to do it? This is your sign to plan ahead and make time to be creative. Have some fun making handmade fabric Christmas decorations, Christmas stockings, or even a Christmas tree skirt!
4. Menu Planning in Advance
Menu Planning
If you’re hosting during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to plan your holiday menu well in advance. Make a list of all the dishes you want to prepare and the ingredients you’ll need. Getting the planning out of the way early will help you start shopping for non-perishable items well in advance and avoid crowded stores in December. If you are trying a new dish this year, have a trial run to ensure you know how to make it and enjoy it!
Utilise the Freezer
Don’t neglect your appliances, especially the freezer! Prepare and freeze dishes in advance to save time and reduce stress during the busy holiday season. Dishes such as casseroles, soups, baked goods, and sweets can be made ahead of time and frozen until needed. I find that making desserts and candies in advance is a great time-saver!
Dessert Recipes to Make Ahead & Freeze:
5. Plan Out Family Activities and Traditions
Create a Family Calendar
If your family has special traditions or fun activities, consider creating a calendar. This way, everyone can plan their other events around them. This might include movie nights, baking days, or checking out the Christmas lights. Having a plan ensures you make time for these special moments amidst the holiday hustle and bustle.
Prepare An Advent Calendar
Prepare an advent calendar early this year by making one or purchasing a reusable option. You can fill each day with little treats other than chocolate for your family to enjoy. It’s a nice change from the popular store-bought chocolate calendars. You can also explore other enjoyable options for each family member’s individual interests, like Legos, makeup, charms, or even puzzles!
Advent Calendars
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Stranger Things Advent Calendar
Buy Now →Make Time to Give Back to Your Community
Planning ahead allows you to give back to your community. You could do this by organising, collecting, and donating items to those in need or volunteering where help is needed.
6. Preparing Ahead To Fit In Relaxation
Cleaning And Organising
Start early in the season by doing a thorough clean of your home before December. Clean under couches, beds, and spots you don’t usually get to. Empty out the cupboards, the pantry, and the fridge and give them a deep clean.
Declutter and purge any items that you no longer need. Organise spaces where guests will be, such as the living room, dining room, and guest rooms. A clean and organised home will make holiday entertaining more enjoyable and less stressful.
Take Care Of Yourself!
Amidst all the preparations, don’t forget to schedule time for self-care. Avoid burnout by taking breaks, relaxing, and enjoying quiet moments. I hope this list of tasks can help you get ready for Christmas before December, so you’ll have lots of time to enjoy yourself instead of rushing around doing everything last minute.
Try creating these natural sugar scrubs for an at-home spa day. A honey and coconut sugar lip scrub nourishes the lips, while a homemade coffee scrub exfoliates and hydrates the skin.
Conclusion
By getting ready for Christmas ahead of time, you can turn the holiday season into a time of joy and relaxation instead of stress and chaos. These tips cover planning, budgeting, decorating, and meal preparation to help you prepare for Christmas well before December. Start your preparations now and anticipate a holiday season filled with peace, happiness, and cherished memories.
