Christmas might feel far away, but the best time to get ahead of the festive chaos is now. By preparing in the summer or early autumn, you can avoid last-minute stress and often snag some seasonal bargains. Early planning gives you the chance to be thoughtful with your choices, from finding the perfect tree to securing a delicious turkey and lining up delightfully festive family activities.
Whether you're hosting a big family gathering or just want to create a cosy Christmas atmosphere at home, getting organised early helps ensure a smooth, joyful celebration. Here's your early Christmas prep guide on what to buy, plan, and do this festive season.
Buy: Christmas Tree and Décor
It's no surprise that companies hike up the price of their Christmas products around the festive season. That's why the summer and autumn months are the perfect time to get ahead of this year's Christmas styling and setup.
Often, companies will have sales on their Christmas items around this time of year in order to keep sales going. This means that, if you're savvy enough, you could snag some absolute bargains in a Christmas tree sale or on other Christmas decorations if you're looking nice and early on!
Christmas trees are designed to last years and years and, in the interests of sustainability, should not be replaced unnecessarily. However, if your tree is growing old and no longer has the same Christmas spirit it once possessed, now could be a great time to purchase a new one, perhaps along with some new twinkly lights and shiny baubles.
Plan: Christmas Dinner
Planning Christmas dinner well in advance takes the stress out of the big day and ensures your festive feast goes smoothly. Start by choosing your menu; deciding now means you'll have plenty of time to source the best ingredients.
One of the most popular choices for the Christmas table is the bronze turkey, known for its traditional flavour and succulent texture. These slow-reared birds are in high demand and often sell out early, so it's wise to place your order in the autumn.
On top of this, think about your side dishes, puddings, and drinks. Whether you go traditional with roast potatoes, stuffing, sprouts, and gravy, or mix in some modern twists, it's completely your call.
Consider preparing in stages. Stock up on non-perishables and start making anything that freezes well ahead of time, such as gravy, Yorkshire puddings, or festive desserts. Also, if you're catering for vegetarians or guests with food requirements or intolerances, now is the time to find recipes that suit everyone. With a well-considered plan, Christmas dinner becomes a joyful occasion, rather than a last-minute scramble.
Do: Family Christmas Activities
If Christmas is about anything, it's about making time for the festive family experiences that matter most. December can get hectic, so planning activities in advance ensures you and your family can truly enjoy the season, rather than rushing through it.
Start by listing your favourite family traditions, such as decorating the Christmas tree, watching Christmas films, or baking festive treats. If you enjoy seasonal outings, now is the time to look into local events like Christmas light trails, markets, or pantomimes, as tickets for popular ones often sell out early. You could also schedule in time for crafting homemade decorations, advent calendars, or personalised cards, spreading the festive spirit throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Christmas is also a lovely time to focus on giving back. Volunteering at Christmas or supporting local charities as a family can be an incredibly rewarding way to share the season's joy with others. Whether it's donating toys, helping out at a food bank, or participating in community events, these experiences often become the most memorable. After all, a little forethought helps make the Christmas season not only a little more organised, but also a little more magical.
