How to Make Christmas Run More Smoothly (Starting Now!)

Today may be the first official day of fall, but living in Texas, it doesn’t exactly feel like it yet. The sun is still hot, the grass hasn’t given up its summer green, and the afternoons are more iced tea than apple cider. Still, even if the weather hasn’t caught up, the calendar has, and that means Christmas is only threee months away.

I know, I know, it feels too soon to bring it up. But here’s the thing: December has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute you’re pulling out the pumpkins, and the next you’re rushing around trying to wrap gifts, bake cookies, and squeeze in traditions before the month flies by. It’s a whirlwind, and if we’re not careful, the stress of it all can drown out the joy.

But what if this year looked different? What if we gave ourselves the gift of preparation: space to slow down, room to breathe, and time to focus on the reason we celebrate in the first place: the birth of Christ?

That’s why fall, even if it doesn’t feel like fall outside, is the perfect time to start preparing for Christmas. Here are a few things you can do now that your December self will thank you for later.

Start With a List

The simplest step you can take right now is to make a gift list. Write down everyone you want to give to, from family to teachers to neighbors, and then start jotting down a few ideas. It doesn’t have to be complete, but having a plan in place clears out so much mental clutter.

I also recommend pairing that list with a budget. Decide how much you want to spend on gifts, food, décor, and experiences. A budget may not sound very festive, but in truth it’s freeing. It lets you give joyfully without the cloud of financial stress hanging over you.

Shop Slowly and Early

Once your list is in place, keep your eyes open as you shop this fall. Picking up gifts here and there spreads out the cost and the effort. And stockings? They’re one of the easiest places to start. Stocking stuffers are usually inexpensive, practical, and fun, perfect for tossing in your cart while you’re already at the store. By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, you’ll have a cheerful pile ready to slip into stockings without any last-minute stress.

And if you plan to order anything personalized or handmade, do it early. Small shops and crafters often cut off Christmas orders in October or November, and you don’t want to miss out.

Don’t Forget the Cards

If you’re someone who loves sending Christmas cards, fall is the perfect time to prepare. You can schedule a family photo session before the rush, or simply choose a favorite picture from the summer. Ordering cards early means you can have them addressed and ready to go long before December mail delays begin. Last year I hand-painted all of our Christmas cards to save money, and I like to think they were just as meaningful as a photo card.

Clear the Clutter

Another gift you can give yourself right now is a little decluttering. Go through closets, toy bins, and even your Christmas decorations. Donate gently used items to bless others, and enjoy the extra breathing room at home. Kids especially benefit from a toy purge before Christmas. It makes space for new treasures and gives them a chance to be part of giving by donating.

Stock the Pantry

Even if you don’t feel like baking yet (because let’s be honest, when it’s still 95 degrees outside, turning on the oven isn’t exactly appealing), you can still prepare. Pick up staples like flour, sugar, butter, chocolate chips, and spices when you see them on sale. That way, when the cooler weather finally arrives and the cookie-baking mood strikes, you’ll be ready.

Wrapping Made Simple

One of the easiest things to overlook is wrapping supplies. Take ten minutes to check your stash of paper, gift bags, tape, and ribbon. Replenish what’s missing now, before the shelves are bare and you’re left scrounging for crumpled tissue paper in December. A little prep here makes wrapping gifts in December so much more enjoyable.

Refocus on Traditions

This is also a good moment to step back and think about your traditions. Which ones bring your family true joy? Which ones feel like boxes you’re checking just because you’ve always done them? Make a “must-do” list of the things that matter most: baking cookies together, reading a Christmas story by the tree, driving to see lights…and let go of the rest.

And if your family celebrates Advent, now is the time to order devotionals, candles, or activity supplies. Having those rhythms ready helps keep your focus on Christ at the center of your season.

A Season of Preparation

Fall is, by nature, a season of preparation. The fields are being harvested, the trees are letting go of their leaves, and even if Texas weather hasn’t gotten the memo yet, the calendar reminds us that change is here. We can take our cue from the season and prepare too, not just our homes, but our hearts.

Because the truth is, Christmas isn’t about perfect gifts or Instagram-worthy décor. It’s about Emmanuel, God with us. It’s about celebrating the gift of Christ, and slowing down enough to actually notice His presence in our lives.

So today, whether you’re sipping a pumpkin spice latte (hot, if you’re brave enough in this heat, or iced if you’re like me) or still sweating in the Texas sun, take one small step to get ahead. Start a list, pick up a stocking stuffer, check your wrapping supplies. Each little action now will create more space for peace and joy later.

And when December comes, instead of rushing, you’ll be able to rest while savoring the season, treasuring the people you love, and remembering the reason we celebrate.