It’s that time of year again! The stores are already decorated, Black Friday sales have begun, and Christmas commercials are on every channel. This year, instead of letting the holidays hit you like a brick wall, plan in advance so you can enjoy every minute of this joyous holiday season. Here are a few helpful tips for getting ready for Christmas with no stress!

1. Clean the house.

Holiday decorating begins with a clean, organized home. The last thing you want is to be bringing all kinds of decorations and gifts if your home is cluttered and unorganized. This is a great time to declutter, get rid of unwanted items and clothing, go through your closets, and give your home a good cleaning. You will enjoy decorating a home that is clean and organized.

2. Repair and organize your decorations.

Did your holiday decorations get tossed in a box last year and thrown in the attic? It’s time to pull out your box of decorations and untangle cords, check light bulbs, and check for busted ornaments. Take some time to clean, repair, and organize your decorations so you have an inventory of what you have and you know what items need to be replaced.

3. Stock up on holiday decor.

Do you need to replace your lights for your Christmas tree? Are your stockings old and tattered? Could you use a new wreath for your front door? It is a great time to stock up on any holiday decor you need before the rush of the season really begins. If you wait until after Thanksgiving, the stores will be packed and you run the risk of things being sold out. Plus, it’s much less stressful to decorate when you have everything you need.

4. Set aside a couple days for decorating.

Check your calendar and see when you might have some free time for decorating. Designate these days for decorating and try not to make other plans for this time. This way you enjoy the process of decorating without feeling overwhelmed and rushed to be somewhere else.

5. Decorate the outside of your home first.

Hanging lights on your house can be a big project so try to accomplish this task first. You don’t have to turn your lights on until you are ready, but you will at least be able to have the exterior ready to go as soon as the holiday season begins!

6. Do a little at a time.

You don’t have to deck all the halls in one day. Take your time and do a little each day. For example, you may start with the exterior one day and then work on your Christmas tree another day. You can then add all the finishing touches once these other tasks are completed. Starting in advance and doing a little at a time helps relieve some of the stress of trying to do everything at once.

7. Make homemade decorations in advance.

If you enjoy making your own bows, garland, and wreaths, get a jumpstart by making these decorations a week or so before Thanksgiving. This way they will be ready to go as soon as you finish eating your turkey!

8. Set the table.

Nothing welcomes the holiday season quite like a beautiful Christmas tablescape. Go ahead and adorn your table so it will be ready for those cozy holiday gatherings,