December is supposed to be jolly. But let’s be real—it often feels like an obstacle course where you’re dodging shipping delays, passive-aggressive relatives, and wrapping paper that somehow costs more than the gift.
Here’s how to win at Christmas prep by starting in fall. Because calm, smug December-you can turn quickly into a stressed, frazzled December-you.
1. Make the Gift List Before the Ghosts of Christmas Panic Arrive
Start now. Write down who’s on your gift list, what they might want, and maybe a backup if Amazon betrays you. Bonus: you’ll look super thoughtful instead of “randomly bought socks at 11 p.m.”
2. Declutter Like You’re on a Reality Show
Santa needs space to dump new stuff, so clean out the clutter. That corner filled with 2016 wrapping paper scraps? Gone. Those five mugs you “might need”? Nope. More space now = less holiday chaos later.
3. Budget Like an Elf With a Calculator
Decide how much money you’ll spend on gifts, food, travel, and festive nonsense before you start swiping the credit card. Then add 20% for “oops” costs—because there’s always an oops.
4. Bake and Freeze (Because You’re Smart Like That)
Cookies, pie crusts, casseroles—get ‘em in the freezer now. December-you will bow down to fall-you when dinner magically appears without you lifting a finger.
5. Order the Weirdly Specific Stuff
Matching pajamas? Personalized ornaments? That advent calendar with cheese inside? If you don’t order in fall, you’ll be stuck with “2025 Wall Calendar: Tractors of Wisconsin.”
6. Buy Wrapping Supplies Like It’s Black Market Gold
Tape. Scissors. Wrapping paper. More tape. Stockpile it now. Because nothing says Christmas meltdown like running out of tape on Christmas Eve and resorting to chewing gum as adhesive.
7. Test the Lights Before You Cry
Untangle the string lights now. Plug them in. Replace the dead ones. Future-you does not need the emotional breakdown of discovering ONE broken bulb ruins the whole set in December.
8. Plot the Holiday Feast Like a Mastermind
Make the menu. Buy the non-perishables. Create an emergency snack stash for “surprise guests.” (Because someone always drops by uninvited and eats everything in sight.)
9. Book Everything Before the Herd Does
Flights, haircuts, pet sitters, even Christmas tree farms—do it in fall. If not, you’ll be flying middle seat, rocking accidental mullet hair, and decorating with whatever sad tree the farm guy “forgot” in the corner.
10. Set the Vibe Early (Because Christmas Is a Mood)
Make your playlist, light some fall candles, and prep cozy blankets. By December, you’ll have the full Hallmark movie vibe going, while everyone else is rage-cleaning their house before the in-laws arrive.
Fall-you has one mission: make Christmas smooth, fun, and stress-free-ish.
Do these 10 things now, and you’ll be sipping hot cocoa in smug serenity while the rest of the world panic-buys batteries and gift cards.