Christmas Starts Now: Preparing for the Holidays in July & August
For many people, Christmas begins when the first decorations go up after Thanksgiving. But for collectors, decorators, and those who love the magic of the season, Christmas is a year-round journey.
The summer months are actually some of the best times to slow down, plan, and prepare—before the rush of the holiday season begins.
1. Take Inventory of Your Decorations
Before pulling everything out in November, take some time to look through what you already have.
Check your ornaments for damage and dust them off
Organize collections by theme or room
Make a list of items you want to replace or add
Look at photos of displays you loved from previous years
A little organization now can save hours later.
2. Start Planning Your Christmas Themes
August is the perfect time to dream.
Will this year’s tree be traditional red and green? Vintage-inspired? A woodland theme? A tribute to childhood memories?
Create a Pinterest board, save inspiration photos, or make a notebook with ideas. The best Christmas displays usually aren’t created overnight—they are collected and curated over time - Time is on our side!
3. Hunt for Vintage Treasures
Summer can be a great time to find unique Christmas pieces.
Look at:
Estate sales
Antique shops
Thrift stores
Online marketplaces
Local craft fairs
Ebay and Etsy
The special pieces are often the ones with a history.
4. Start Handmade Projects
If you love crafting, now is the time to begin.
Crocheted ornaments, tree skirts, stockings, table runners, and handmade gifts take time. Starting in July and August means you can enjoy the process instead of rushing.
5. Clean and Organize Your Christmas Storage
Nobody wants to discover tangled lights and broken ornaments in November.
Consider:
Labeling storage bins
Replacing worn-out containers
Creating an ornament inventory
Setting aside items for donation
6. Make a Holiday Budget
Christmas magic doesn’t have to mean overspending.
Start setting aside a little at a time for:
Gifts
Decorations
Entertaining
New collectibles
Handmade projects
Planning early allows you to enjoy the season without the stress.
7. Create New Traditions
The best part of Christmas isn’t always what we buy—it’s what we create.
Maybe this is the year you start:
A themed family ornament
A Christmas movie night tradition
A special holiday recipe
A new decorating tradition
The memories are what make the season special.
Closing thought:
Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar. For many of us, it’s a feeling we carry all year long. The anticipation, the searching for special pieces, the planning, and the memories being created are all part of the magic.
So while the temperatures are still warm and the days are long, it’s okay to start dreaming about Christmas. After all, the best Christmases are the ones we spend time creating.