5 Easy Ways to Prepare for Christmas Early -

I have to admit something… I’m usually last minute for everything and Christmas is no exception. For years, I found myself up late on Christmas Eve, still wrapping gifts and pulling together holiday plans while the Christmas music played in the background. But last year, something changed. I decided to get a head start on Christmas prep and it truly made the season so much better!

There was plenty of time to enjoy the little things—from decorating the Christmas tree with my family members, to watching our favorite Christmas movies, to sitting down to a cozy Christmas dinner without that frazzled feeling. Today I’m sharing the exact things I did last year that helped me stay ahead of the game and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year with a whole lot more peace and a whole lot less panic.

Whether you’re thinking about gift shopping, making your holiday plans, or simply wanting to savor more moments this season, these tips are a great way to begin.

Tips for Early Christmas Prep

01

Take Inventory of Christmas Decorations and Supplies

Even though the weather might not be cold yet, it’s the perfect time to pull out bins and boxes of holiday decor.

Here’s what I recommend:

Check your Christmas lights for burnt-out bulbs
Take note of any broken or missing items
Set aside anything you don’t love anymore for donation
Make a list of what you’d like to update this year such as new pieces for the living room, dining room, Christmas tree, or porch

I found it helpful to refresh a few older items with a little DIY love, and it made my holiday home feel charming and fresh—without overspending.

coffee table with candlesticks and vase of pine stems

want to get a head-start on christmas decor shopping?

Click below and shop all of my Christmas decor links!

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02

Create or Update Your Christmas Gift List

Next, I made a full Christmas gift list—including everyone from family members and extended family, to teachers, neighbors, and party hosts.

Here’s why starting this list early works:

You can brainstorm thoughtful gift ideas
You’ll avoid the last-minute rush
You can set a realistic Christmas budget
You can look for good deals and plan for Black Friday savings

christmas presents wrapped in paid paper with gold satin ribbon and paper stars

gifts from the heart

Handmade Gifts

A great budget friendly gift option is to make homemade gifts like vanilla extract, simmer pots, rosemary salt, pressed flower coasters and candy bars. These are the types of things I usually think of too late! But with extra prep time, you’ll be able to make and enjoy giving them!

See More ideas

Do More with Wrapping Paper

paper stars made of plaid wrapping paper

One of my favorite easy and budget-friendly projects is turning leftover wrapping paper into beautiful stars. These simple folded stars can be used as gift toppers, tree ornaments, or strung into garlands to match your Christmas decor theme. They’re quick to make, incredibly versatile, and a great way to coordinate your wrapping style without spending extra. Plus, it’s a fun way to reuse paper you already have on hand!

See this post

Don’t forget the gift tags!

I created a set of free printable gift tags that are timeless, simple, and pair beautifully with any wrapping style.

download here

free gift tag printable

gift tag for presents with christmas words printed on them with red and white stripe ribbon and scissors next to them

03

Tidy and Prep Guest Spaces

If you’ll be hosting guests or hosting a Christmas party, take a moment to prep or shop for those areas now.

Tips for Guest Prep:

New or washed linens and a cozy throw
Cleared out closet space
A few festive touches like pinecones and seasonal candles or even a mini Christmas tree
Holiday themed snack tray
Thought through sleeping arrangements for visiting extended family

A bright bedroom with a wooden bed, white bedding, patterned carpet, black-and-white botanical wallpaper, white ceiling with wood beams, and natural light from a window with white curtains.

Helpful Hint

While you’re decluttering and prepping, it’s also a great idea to make room for the tree and decor. It doesn’t have to be a big project! It’s just about making space for what’s to come.

04

Begin Planning Holiday Meals and Gatherings

Whether you’re hosting the main gathering for Christmas dinner or just contributing dessert to a holiday party, a little early planning goes a long way.

Here are some easy ways to prep:

Start a grocery list of pantry staples and specialty food items
Plan your meal plan for key dates: Christmas Eve, Christmas morning, and Christmas Day
Freeze a few make-ahead items like cookie dough or breakfast casseroles
Note any serving dishes or table setting details you want to upgrade

shop Entertaining Favorites

05

Block Time for Traditions That Matter

Christmas traditions are one of the most important things to me and if not planned early, they can be missed when the calendar starts to fill up.

Here are some favorites you may want to pencil in early:

An evening to read a favorite Christmas story by the tree
A family night to tour Christmas lights with hot cocoa
Your favorite baking day tradition
A casual Christmas party for friends with simple snacks and games

Christmas tree in white living room with coffee table and lit candles

The holiday season can fly by and if you don’t plan time for those special moments, it’s easy to miss them! Blocking it off early ensures you get to savor the magic instead of just the to-do list.

Presents wrapped in plaid paper with ribbons and bows

Common Questions About Christmas Prep

I’m usually last-minute—what’s the first thing I should do?

Start by making a Christmas gift list. It’s the easiest way to get organized, and it helps guide your Christmas budget, shopping, and wrapping.

Is it too early to think about Christmas decorations?

Not at all! It’s a great time to take inventory of what you already own, check your Christmas lights, and start planning a new theme or layout for your Christmas tree and living room.

What if I don’t host—should I still prep meals?

Definitely! Even a simple meal plan for Christmas Eve or a favorite breakfast makes the season feel intentional. You’ll also want to keep your grocery list and baking plans organized ahead of time.

Where can I find the best deals before the season starts?

Many retailers start early promotions and Black Friday previews in late summer or early fall. Planning ahead gives you time to compare prices and snag good deals. I’m always sharing finds on my socials and LTK. Visit my Shop Page to stay updated.

How can I simplify gift wrapping this year?

Stock up now on wrapping paper, tags, tape, and boxes. Consider designating a corner or drawer as a gift station so you can easily wrap gifts as you buy them.

gingerbread snowflake garland on china cabinet

The biggest lesson I learned last year? You don’t need a huge overhaul to make the holidays better, you just need a little extra time.

Getting a head start on your Christmas decorations, gift shopping, and holiday plans helps you enjoy the parts of the season that matter most. You’ll have plenty of time to wrap presents, welcome guests, and sit by the fire.

So whether you’re prepping now or planning to start soon, remember: the best way to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year is to prepare early with grace, not perfection.