Christmas Planning Starts Now
Christmas might still be a few months away, but if you wait until December to start shopping, you’re setting yourself up for a stressful holiday season. By the time December 1 rolls around, stores are crowded, prices are higher, and shipping deadlines are looming.
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I’ve learned that the best way to enjoy December 25 is to plan ahead. When I spread out the buying, creating, and wrapping, I’m able to focus on what matters most: the people I love.
Here are a few simple things that help me stay calm and enjoy the season, rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Listen as You Go
One of the easiest ways to find great gifts is to pay attention all year long.
While I’m with my family — whether we’re running errands, working on the farm, or just hanging out at home — I keep my ears open. If I hear someone say, “That’s really cool,” or “I’d love to have that, but it’s not in my budget,” I make a mental note.
Some of the best gifts I’ve given have come straight from those offhand comments. People usually don’t even realize they’re dropping hints.
Write It Down
My brain is a great place to come up with ideas — not such a great place to store them.
That’s why I keep a running list on my phone called Ideas. Every time I hear someone mention something they love, or I spot something perfect for a friend, I jot it down.
Plan a Christmas Shoebox Now
When the holidays roll around, I’m not trying to remember what someone said six months ago; I’ve already got a ready-made list waiting.
Start Hunting for Deals Early
Another perk of starting early is that I can shop smart instead of paying full price.
As I’ve been in and out of stores, peddlers’ malls, and yard sales this summer, I’ve picked up a few treasures for Christmas. Shopping ahead means I can grab a bargain when I see it — or even buy secondhand if it makes sense.
Waiting until December often means paying whatever the sticker says simply because time is short.
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Give Yourself Time for Homemade Gifts
Homemade gifts can be some of the most meaningful, but they’re also the most time-consuming. If you wait until December to start a quilt, knit a scarf, or craft a set of ornaments, you’ll end up stressed instead of joyful.
Starting now gives you room to create something special without sacrificing sleep or holiday fun.
Infusible Ink Christmas Ornaments
Focus on Small, Thoughtful Gifts
Many people already have everything they truly need. A Christmas gift isn’t always about filling a need — it’s about giving something that shows you see and know the person you’re buying for.
For example, I have an aunt who adores cats, sparkles, and anything unique. I found a hand-painted “Cat Lady” ornament from Old World Christmas that’s perfect for her tree.
Another family member is a passionate gardener who decorates a special Christmas tree with meaningful ornaments. I’ve already tucked away a hand-painted glass ornament shaped like flower seed packets for her. At least, I’m hoping to gift that to my family member. I really like this ornament so it may end up staying on my Christmas tree this year!
Each figurative glass ornament produced by Old World Christmas is hand crafted in age-old tradition using the same techniques that originated in the 1800’s. Molten glass is mouth-blown into finely carved molds made exclusively for Old World Christmas, before a hot solution of liquid silver is poured inside. The ornaments are then hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.
Old World Christmas
One of my favorite parts of the season is our Five Dollar Christmas Gift Tradition. Each of the kids gets a set amount to shop for everyone else in the family (we’ve increased it to $10 as they’ve gotten older), and the fun of planning, plotting, and wrapping those little surprises has become one of the highlights of our holidays. Not only do they learn the joy of giving, but we get to enjoy the creativity and laughter that come with seeing what they pick out each year.
Why Starting Now Matters
Planning early isn’t about rushing the holidays or skipping over fall. It’s about creating space for the kind of December you actually want: one filled with music, lights, quiet moments, and family traditions — not frantic shopping and maxed-out credit cards.
By spreading out the cost, the work, and the creativity, you take the pressure off. When December arrives, you can spend your evenings watching Christmas movies, baking cookies, or driving around to look at lights instead of standing in long lines or stressing over shipping deadlines.
Your Turn
Are you already planning Christmas gifts? Do you have tips that help you stay organized and stress-free? Whether you start a gift list in July, shop small businesses all year, or set aside time for homemade projects, share what works for you — we can all use a little extra peace during the holidays.
Bottom line: Christmas gifting doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By listening, writing ideas down, watching for deals, starting homemade projects early, and focusing on thoughtful gifts (big or small), you can enjoy the season for what it’s meant to be: an extension of love for the people who make life meaningful.
