How I Get Ahead of the Holiday Season

If you've ever found yourself panic-buying gifts in December, you're not alone. Over the last few years, I've found that preparing for Christmas shopping early makes the whole holiday season feel calmer, more intentional, and honestly, a lot more fun.

For me, September is the sweet spot. It's when the first glimpses of Christmas start appearing in stores, which gets me into the holiday feeling without the pressure. It's also practical because you can already find wrapping paper, gift bags, and festive extras. Stores like TJ Maxx are famously early with Christmas stock, so I like to take advantage of that before the best things disappear.

I've written before about doing my Christmas and holiday shopping in September, and every year I try to improve the process. It can be a lot to tackle in one day, so this year I'm preparing before my annual shopping weekend. It's currently August as I write this, and I'm planning to do my big Christmas shop on the first weekend of September.

Here's what I'm doing differently this year.

1. Going in with a plan instead of relying on inspiration

I used to do all of my Christmas shopping in one day without much planning. I'd let whatever I saw inspire the gifts I bought. I'd go in with a general budget and try to create as much "wow factor" as possible within that amount.

The downside? By the end of the day I'd be tired, overwhelmed, and throwing money at the problem by buying things I wasn't completely sure about. And don't even get me started on stocking stuffers.

This year I'm creating my gift list before I shop. I'll have a budget for each person and keep an eye out for gift themes, so I cover the categories I like each kid to get, including:

• A wow-factor gift

• A book

• Something to wear

• A keepsake

• Art supplies

• Stocking stuffers (usually consumable treats)

Having this framework means I'm shopping with purpose instead of scrambling at the end.

2. Buying great gifts when I see them

I've already been putting a few things away throughout the year. I haven't been actively Christmas shopping, but sometimes you come across something and immediately know your child will absolutely love it.

I've learned that the smartest thing to do is buy it when you think of it rather than hoping you'll remember it later.

The important part is remembering where you put it. I either keep a note in my phone or planner, or I'll snap a quick photo of the gift and where I've hidden it so future me doesn't have to go searching through every cupboard in the house.

3. Planning our Christmas traditions

One thing that's become easier as life after divorce has settled into a more predictable rhythm is rebuilding traditions.

I'm finding myself much more comfortable planning what our actual Christmas Day will look like and creating traditions that feel like ours.

This year my daughter has inspired one of my favourite ideas. She loves the Chinese takeaway boxes she sees in Christmas movies and TV shows—we even have cute Pottery Barn ornaments shaped like them—so I'm thinking of ordering a pack of takeaway containers and serving our Christmas movie food in them. It's such a simple detail, but it's the kind of thing that creates memories.

4. Remembering the gifts that usually get left until the last minute

Every year there are a few gifts that sneak up on me.

Teacher gifts.

Friend gifts.

The little extras that somehow don't make it onto the list until December.

This year I'm intentionally shopping for those at the same time as everything else.

We're also visiting my family overseas this Christmas, so instead of ordering food gifts to be delivered, I'm considering buying gifts I can wrap and hand-deliver in person. I may still do my usual food gifts as well and simply bring a small Australian treat for everyone to enjoy.

5. Planning the Christmas season, not just Christmas Day

One thing I've realized is that the best part of Christmas isn't just one day.

It's the lead-up.

This year I want to be more intentional about planning activities with friends, scheduling holiday catchups, and creating a Christmas season that actually feels like a celebration with the people I care about instead of rushing through a busy calendar.

6. Getting organised for holiday baking

Another thing that always seems to creep up on me is deciding what to bake or bring for work and holiday gatherings.

Instead of scrambling in December, I'm going to decide which recipes I want to make ahead of time and even do a few trial runs. Having a couple of reliable favorites ready to go makes entertaining and gift-giving so much easier.

Why I keep starting my Christmas shopping in September

Because I already have a base established from buying a few things throughout the year, September has become my official Christmas planning month.

Starting early doesn't mean spending more money. If anything, I've found it helps me spend less because I'm making thoughtful decisions instead of stress purchases.

It also gives me time to enjoy the season. The gifts are organised, the wrapping paper is already waiting, traditions are planned, and I can actually look forward to Christmas instead of feeling like I'm constantly trying to catch up.

If you've always been a December shopper, maybe this is the year to try getting ahead. A little Christmas planning in September can make the entire holiday season feel calmer, more meaningful, and much more enjoyable.