10 Powerful Ways to Prepare for Christmas in July

If your heart longs for a more meaningful, peaceful season, the best gift you can give yourself is to prepare for Christmas early.

Christmas is such a beautiful and meaningful time of year.

More than the gifts or the glitter, I want to keep the true meaning of the season—the birth of our Savior—at the forefront of my heart.

Candlelight setting on the coffee table as preparations are made for Christmas.

But I’ve learned that it’s hard to do that when I’m overwhelmed by a never-ending to-do list in December.

That’s why I’m committing to preparing for Christmas early this year. My personal goal is to have most of the work done by December 1st.

And this time, it’s more important than ever—my husband and I have booked a cruise in December and won’t return until December 23rd!

That means every gift, every plan, and every bit of Christmas prep has to be finished before we set sail.

Whether you’re traveling, hosting, or simply wanting a calmer season, these early prep ideas can help you enjoy a more peaceful, joyful and stress-free Christmas too.

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As you prepare for Christmas, keeping all your plans organized in one place can make a world of difference.

From gift lists and budget tracking to meal planning and event calendars, having everything at your fingertips helps reduce stress and keeps the season running smoothly.

We’ve found that using a dedicated Christmas planner keeps us on track—and brings a little extra joy to the process!

That’s why we’re sharing our Christmas planner as a free gift to you.

If you’re ready to feel more organized and less overwhelmed, just click the button below to download your copy today!

Christmas Planner

1. Set a Realistic Christmas Budget

Before the holiday excitement kicks into full gear, take a little time to create a realistic Christmas budget—it’s one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress and avoid overspending.

Start by listing out all the key categories: gifts, food, decor, travel, events, and charitable giving.

Don’t forget to build in a little cushion for those unexpected expenses that always seem to pop up (like last-minute hostess gifts or shipping fees).

Whether you prefer a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app, keeping track of your spending will help you stay on course—and give you peace of mind as the season unfolds.

A pair of decorated Christmas trees by the fireplace with an old red pedal fire truck.

2. Start Saving Now

Once your Christmas budget is set, the next step is to start saving intentionally.

Take your total budget and divide it by the number of paychecks you have left before Christmas—that gives you a clear, manageable amount to set aside each time you get paid.

Personally, I like to start putting away money with every paycheck beginning in January—it’s just easier for me, and it adds up quickly without feeling overwhelming.

Whether you open a separate savings account, use a cash envelope system, or automate weekly deposits, find a method that works for you.

You can also boost your savings by decluttering and selling unused items—it’s a win-win: a tidier home and extra Christmas cash in your pocket!

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3. Make Your Gift List

One of the best ways to simplify your holiday season is to make your gift list early. Start by writing down everyone you plan to give to this year—family, friends, neighbors, teachers.

Then set a realistic dollar limit for each person based on your overall budget.

As ideas come to mind, jot them down in your planner now, so you’re not scrambling for last-minute inspiration in December.

Prepare for Christmas Checklist, woman making preparations

Consider giving thoughtful handmade gifts—they’re not only meaningful and personal, but they can also help stretch your budget without sacrificing the joy of giving.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out over 35 affordable handmade gift ideas by clicking here—they’re creative, thoughtful, and perfect for keeping your Christmas budget on track.

Planning ahead takes the pressure off and makes space for more intentional, heartfelt moments throughout the season.

If you’re new here, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.

Let us introduce ourselves, we’re Michelle and Steph, a mom and daughter team who love to DIY and decorate our homes.

Not only are we passionate about making our homes warm, comfortable and unique, but it’s our mission to help you create that same feeling in your own home.

You’ll find ideas for repurposing, creating, decorating and making your home truly yours, while always mindful of a tight budget.

Undoubtedly we love finding ways to make your home look high-end on a small budget.

Plus you’ll also find a recipe or two as we share our family favorites with you.

We’d love it if you’d join our community of doers so you won’t miss any inspiration for your home.

We love new friends.

4. Plan Your Christmas Decor

Planning your Christmas decor early can save time, money, and a lot of holiday-season stress.

Start by sorting through what you already have, and be honest about what you still love and what’s just taking up space.

I like to do this when I’m packing away my Christmas decorations each year—it’s the perfect time to donate or toss anything I no longer use.

Once you’ve taken inventory, choose a theme or color scheme you want to use this year.

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your decor a fresh look is with ribbon.

Bedroom decorated for Christmas with a gold and blue tree.

A few spools of new ribbon can completely transform your tree, wreaths, and even your gift wrapping.

After deciding on your look, make a shopping list for any missing items and keep an eye out for sales.

And if you’re planning to DIY some new decorations, July and August are the perfect time to start!

For inspiration, check out the DIY Christmas decor ideas below:

5. Take Your Christmas Card Photo

Getting a head start on Christmas cards is always at the top of my list!

With everyone’s busy schedules, finding time for a family photo can be a real challenge—so the sooner you plan it, the better.

Schedule a quick photo session or DIY it now while the weather’s nice and everyone’s a little more relaxed.

Once you have your photo, you can design your card online and save it in your cart until you’re ready to order.

Ordering early means you’ll get the best deals—and more importantly, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush!

I plan to have my cards in the mail by December 1st!

6. Begin DIY Gifts

If you’re anything like me, you might have the best intentions to make a thoughtful, handmade gift for someone you love—only to find yourself scrambling a few days before Christmas, stressed and out of time.

Let me know if you can relate!

And let’s change that this year!

Candle centerpiece on the coffee table with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.

Now is the perfect time to decide which DIY gifts you want to create and gather your supplies while things are still calm.

Make a simple timeline so you can tackle them little by little before the busy holiday season takes over.

And if your kids want to join in, plan fun crafting sessions ahead of time to turn the process into a meaningful memory, not a last-minute meltdown!

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7. Begin Buying Gifts

Once you’ve put your gift list together, it’s time to start shopping early

You’ll thank yourself if you do!

July is a great time to watch for sales, especially during events like Amazon Prime Day and other local summer deals.

Picking up gifts now not only stretches your budget but helps you avoid the December rush.

Wrapped Christmas gifts in an old pedal fire truck.

As you start collecting presents, be sure to store them in a designated spot and label them clearly so you’re not scrambling to remember what’s for who.

If you’re anything like me, you tuck a gift away in a “special spot”—only to forget about it completely.

Then a year (or two!) later, you find it and have a good laugh at your own secret hiding skills.

Also don’t forget the little things—stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, neighbor goodies, and secret Santa exchanges can sneak up on you.

A little planning now makes the season so much more joyful later!

8. Set Up a Wrapping or Craft Station

If you’re lucky enough to have a dedicated craft or wrapping room, now’s the perfect time to clean and organize it so it’s ready when the holiday hustle begins.

Stock up on all your essentials—wrapping paper, tape, gift bags, and ribbon—and keep them neatly organized.

Gift wrap and tags gathered to prepare for Christmas early.

I find it especially helpful to keep a small basket stocked with tags, scissors, and pens to make wrapping quick and efficient.

One of my favorite tips?

Wrap gifts as soon as you buy them.

This way, you avoid the stress of facing a huge pile of presents all at once—and you get to enjoy the fun of wrapping bit by bit throughout the season.

For fun and creative Christmas gift wrapping ideas, simply click here and get inspired!

And for Free Printable Gift Tags, click here and here.

9. Plan Your Menus & Try Recipes

If you’re hosting this holiday season, planning your meals and party menus early is a game-changer.

Take time now to test any new recipes you want to serve so you’re confident they’ll be a hit with your guests.

Dining table set as preparations are made for Christmas.

Don’t forget to delegate by asking guests to bring a dish or two—this can lighten your load and add delicious variety to the table.

One of our family’s favorite Christmas traditions is celebrating Christmas Eve with dishes from a different country each year.

This makes planning and preparing ahead absolutely essential for a smooth family gathering filled with meaningful memories.

10. Start Holiday Baking (and Freezing!)

While I don’t actually start my Christmas baking in July, I do start planning!

I like to choose a few favorite treats that freeze well, so I can begin baking in the fall and reduce the December rush.

Prepare for Christmas early, cookies and hot cocoa in a Santa mug. Cookies are easy to prepare early and freeze until Christmas.

For me, it’s my Grandma’s Nugget Cookies—she was an incredible cook who always had her Christmas goodies prepped months in advance.

These cookies freeze beautifully and are a must-have on our holiday table each year.

Pick a few meaningful recipes you know your family loves, and label and store them properly so they’re ready when the season arrives.

And remember, you don’t have to bake everything!

Be realistic with your time and energy so the joy of baking and your sanity stays intact.

Bonus Prep Ideas

Plan Neighbor & Friend Gifts

Neighbor and friend gifts don’t have to be fancy to be meaningful—simple, thoughtful gifts are often the most appreciated.

Start by choosing a go-to gift idea you can create or assemble in bulk, then make a list of recipients so no one is forgotten in the holiday hustle.

Prepare neighbor gifts early for Christmas

I like to begin wrapping and packaging by mid-November, which helps me stay ahead of the rush.

Pick a delivery week, add it to your calendar, and make it a fun family tradition!

Whether you’re baking a treat or putting together something useful or handmade, these small gestures spread big holiday cheer.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite ideas to get you started:

Prep for Overnight Guests

If you’re welcoming overnight guests this Christmas, a little early prep can make everyone feel right at home.

Start by deep cleaning the guest room or designated space so it’s fresh and inviting.

Then take inventory of essentials—think clean towels, extra toiletries, a phone charger, and maybe even an extra blanket.

Adding a few cozy touches like a holiday-scented candle, a small stack of water bottles, or a festive book can turn a simple stay into a warm and memorable experience.

A little planning now will help you avoid last-minute scrambling later!

Calendar Holiday Events Early

The holiday season fills up fast, so now’s the time to get your calendar in order.

Start by blocking off dates for school programs, parties, family traditions, and those special holiday bucket list items.

Just as important—schedule in some downtime to rest and recharge so you’re not running on empty by December 25th.

Print a calendar or share a digital one so the whole family stays in sync and can look forward to the season together.

A little planning now helps protect your peace and keeps the joy front and center all season long.

Decorate Your Home Early

Prepare for Christmas early, decorations in the family room.

When it comes to holiday decorating, timing is everything—and totally personal.

While some wait until after Thanksgiving, Steph and I have started decorating right after Halloween.

I know that can be a little controversial, but hear me out: we still celebrate Thanksgiving in all its cozy glory (complete with a beautifully styled table).

But yes—there’s usually a Christmas tree glowing in the background.

Starting early lets us enjoy the season longer and with far less stress.

Also try pulling out your decor a week before you actually plan to decorate, so it’s not overwhelming.

Most importantly, make it a fun family tradition, not just another task to check off.

Light a candle, turn on some music, and soak in the joy of the season!

Wrapping It Up

Remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once—just choosing a few things to start in July can make a big difference by the time the holidays roll around.

Whether it’s setting a budget, getting your gift list in order, or simply organizing your calendar, each small step adds up to a calmer, more joyful Christmas season.

After all, the more you plan ahead, the more space you leave for what really matters—connection, peace, and holiday magic.

We’d love to hear from you!

What’s your favorite way to prepare for Christmas early?

Drop your tips in the comments below and let’s inspire each other to make this the most meaningful season yet.

Favorite Christmas Finds This Year

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Pinterest image 10 Simple Ways to Prepare for Christmas, be ready by December 1st.

Thanks for stopping by Sunnyside Home. Empowering you to create a home you love!

Michelle Dickson

Retailers We Love

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