No one. – and I repeat, no one – wants to be thinking about Christmas in the middle of a heatwave. I know. It sounds completely ridiculous.

But if you’re someone who dreams of a calmer festive season, less panic-buying, fewer last-minute meltdowns, and actually enjoying December instead of surviving it… then a little planning now genuinely makes all the difference.

I’ve always been someone who likes to prepare. I love having plans in place, knowing what’s coming up, and avoiding unnecessary stress and chaos where possible. And Christmas is no exception – especially now the twins are older and our family traditions have become such a special part of the year.

Over the years, I’ve realised that a few small steps taken throughout the year can completely transform the festive season. Instead of feeling overwhelmed in December, you can actually enjoy cosy family moments, Christmas films, festive days out, and all the magic that comes with it.

So here are the 5 things I start doing around May – plus the extra things I tackle in September – to create a more organised, affordable, and enjoyable Christmas.

What I Start Doing in May for Christmas

1. Start Saving Early

May payday is upon us, which means there are roughly seven paydays before Christmas (excluding any early December pay).

Even putting away a small amount each month can make a huge difference by the time December arrives. Decide on an overall Christmas budget now and divide it across the remaining months. Monzo pots are ideal for this as you can auto pay into a pot each month so you don’t even need to think about it.

This instantly makes Christmas spending feel more manageable and stops January from becoming financially painful.

A few things to include in your Christmas budget:

• Gifts
• Food and drink
• School events
• Christmas days out
• Decorations
• Wrapping paper and cards
• Elf on the Shelf bits
• Travel costs

2. Write Your Christmas Gift List

I cannot explain how much this helps.

Create a simple list with:

• Name
• Relationship
• Gift ideas
• Budget
• Whether it’s been bought/wrapped

You can use your Notes app, Google Sheets, or even in a paper notebook – whatever works best for you.

Having a clear plan stops impulse spending and makes it much easier to spot deals throughout the year. It also helps avoid that awful December feeling of “I know I’ve forgotten someone…”

3. Buy Gifts Early When You Spot Deals

Once you’ve written your gift list, keep an eye out for good deals throughout the year. If you spot the perfect gift at a great price – buy it.

Spreading purchases across several months feels far less overwhelming than trying to afford everything in November and December.

I also try to buy:

• Wrapping paper
• Gift bags
• Christmas cards
• Tableware
• Stocking fillers

…well before December arrives.

Top tip: keep everything together in a dedicated Christmas drawer, cupboard, or storage box and add reminders in your phone so you don’t forget what you’ve already bought.

4. Use Cashback Apps for Every Online Purchase

If you shop online regularly anyway, you may as well earn a little money back.

I always check cashback sites like TopCashback before placing orders, especially for bigger Christmas purchases.

Over the course of the year, the cashback really adds up and can help cover festive extras.

5. Book Christmas Events Early

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt as a parent, it’s that the best Christmas Experiences sell out fast.

Places like LaplandUK release tickets incredibly early – sometimes as early as February and popular dates disappear almost instantly.

The same goes for:

• All Santa experiences
• Christmas light trails
• Pantomimes
• Polar Express themed train rides
• Festive afternoon teas
• School holiday events

Booking early usually means:

• Better prices
• Better time slots
• Less disappointment
• More time to spread the cost

What I Do in September to Get Fully Christmas Ready

By late September, I switch from “planning mode” into “preparation mode.”

This is where things really start coming together.

1. Book the Christmas Food Shop

If you use Ocado, Tesco, Sainsbury’s or another supermarket delivery service, book your Christmas food slot as early as possible.

We use an Ocado Anytime Smart Pass, which gives us priority access when Christmas slots open – usually around late September.

Even if you change the order 10 times afterwards (which I definitely do), having the slot secured removes so much stress.

2. Start Wrapping Presents

Future-you will be so grateful for this one.

As gifts arrive, wrap them straight away if possible. By December, you’ll thank yourself when you’re not trying to wrap everything at midnight while watching Christmas films and eating your way through a box of chocs!

Top tip: label and organise presents by person to avoid last-minute confusion.

3. Check Kids’ Clothing Early

September is the perfect time to check:

• Christmas pyjamas
• Party outfits
• Winter coats
• Shoes and boots
• Christmas jumpers

Children seem to grow overnight, and the best seasonal bits often sell out early.

4. Plan Your December Calendar

December gets busy quickly. Between school events, Christmas fairs, parties, festive outings, family visits and work events, the diary fills up before you know it.

I like to sit down in September and map out:

• Key dates
• School events
• Gift deadlines
• Delivery cut-offs
• Social plans
• Travel arrangements

It makes December feel exciting instead of chaotic.

5. Stock Up on Festive Essentials

From batteries to sellotape, there are always those annoying little things you forget every year.

By September/October, I start picking up:

• Tape and wrapping supplies
• Candles
• Hot chocolate
• Advent calendars – as soon as they are available
• Toiletries
• Hosting bits
• Freezer party food
• Christmas baking ingredients

Buying little and often spreads the cost and avoids the December supermarket madness.

Preparing early for Christmas doesn’t make you “too organised” or boring – it gives you more space to actually enjoy the festive season.

Less stress.
Less overspending.
Less rushing around.

And more time for cosy evenings, family traditions, magical moments with the kids, and genuinely enjoying Christmas instead of feeling burnt out by it.

Honestly, even doing just one or two of these things now can make a huge difference by December.

Future-you will be very grateful.