September might feel too early to start thinking about Christmas, but I’ve learned that a little preparation now, makes all the difference later. By the time December comes, I want to be soaking in the season with my family, not rushing through crowded stores or stressing out about what still needs to get done. That’s why I use September a planning month for the Christmas season. Planning ahead allows me to create space for peace, hospitality, and a Christ centered holiday. Here are 5 things I do in September that make Christmas so much more joyful and less overwhelming.
How I prepare for Christmas in September
Start planning my Christmas budget and gift giving
One of the first things I do is sit down and think about how much money I really want to spend. It doesn’t have to be complicated. This is just a simple plan that helps me stay intentional with both spending and giving. I analyze how much money I spent the previous year on gifts (specifically for our children) and whether or not they truly enjoyed and used that gift in the last year. I also make a list of everyone we’d like to bless with a gift, set a spending amount for each person, and start looking for gift ideas early.
This not only spreads out the cost but also keeps me from running around in December. I’ve also found that shopping little by little allows me to be more creative and meaningful with the gift choices, instead of just buying anything last minute. For our family, having a Christmas budget is less about restriction and more about stewardship; making sure we’re using our resources wisely so we can give generously but not have to burden ourselves with debt.
Plan our family Advent and Traditions
This month I also start planning our Advent and family traditions. For us, Advent isn’t just another activity to check off the list, it’s a way to keep our hearts centered on Christ in the middle of this busy season. If I’m honest, it wasn’t always like this for us, but ever since we shifted our perspective, we have learned to enjoy the holiday season even more. I like to create a calendar with our Advent readings (typically, the book of Luke), mark special traditions and events on the calendar like family nights, serving opportunities and events we’d like to attend. Our goal is simple: to build traditions that point our family back to the hope and wonder of Christ’s birth and his return.
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Declutter and organize the house
Another way I prepare for Christmas in September is by doing a huge declutter around the house. I focus mainly on the areas that tend to be used the most during the holiday, like the kitchen, living room and kids area. I clear out toys and clothes that the kids have outgrown or don’t use at all anymore, to make room for the things that will come. Decluttering and reorganizing the kitchen helps me get ready for all the extra baking and cooking I will be doing. I’ve found that even just the tiniest bit of reorganization now helps create a calmer atmosphere later, especially when guests stop by.
Start planning Christmas hospitality
Hospitality plays such a big role during the Christmas season and planning ahead makes it so much more enjoyable. In September, I like to think about the different ways I’d like to open up our home during the holiday, whether that’s hosting a family gathering, inviting church friends over for coffee, or planning a meal for close friends. I start with making a guest list, write down a few menu ideas, and tentatively mark some dates in my calendar. Over the years I’ve learned that hospitality doesn’t have to be fancy in any way . It’s just about creating a space where people can feel welcomed and loved. By planning ahead, I can focus less on the stress of preparation and more on the joy of sharing our home and pointing others to Christ through the gift of fellowship.
Start buying small gifts and stocking stuffers
September is also when I start buying small gifts and stocking stuffers. Instead of waiting until December, I keep a small box or basket tucked away in my closet where I place all the things I find. I usually aim for things like books, cozy socks, small toys or something thrifted and unique. This spreads out the spending and makes gifts feel more thoughtful and less rushed. This year, I have also started planning homemade gifts like candles and baked goodies so I have extra time to enjoy making them.
Looking for gift ideas? Check out this post: Gift Guide for Children
Final Thoughts
Preparing for Christmas in September might seem too early for some people, but it really does help bring peace and joy during the holiday season. These small steps now (budgeting, planning traditions, decluttering, preparing for hospitality, and buying small gifts) makes December less stressful and allows me to focus on what truly matters.
Christmas isn’t about perfection or never ending to do lists, but about celebrating the gift of Christ and sharing his love with those around us. My hope is that these simple practices inspire you to start preparing your heart and home early on, so that when Christmas arrives, you can embrace it with joy, peace and intention.
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