5 Things To Do Now to Make December Brighter

Not everyone hosts the holidays. And honestly? Not everyone wants to. There’s a sort of freedom to being the guest. You can spend time choosing a bottle of wine to bring, or put some thought into what you’ll wear. You get to savor someone else’s cooking. Best of all? You get to head home when the evening winds down and wake up to none of the clean-up or after-effects of hosting.

Hosting or not, December can still have its own kind of stress. Between travel, gifts, outfits, and endless social events, the season can sneak up fast. Suddenly, you’re dashing through malls or clicking “overnight shipping” while wrapping something on your lap.

This year, I’m determined to make it different. And early November is the perfect head start. It’s a month that still feels calm enough to plan thoughtfully before the swirl of Thanksgiving and December take over. Whether you’re traveling across town or across the country, these five things done early can make December gatherings infinitely easier and far more enjoyable.

1. Outfitting myself early (and thoughtfully)

Every December, there comes that moment, the party invitation, the work gathering, the family dinner, and the inevitable wardrobe panic: What am I going to wear?

By thinking through my needs now, I’m taking that question off the table early. Instead of waiting until the last minute to hunt for something to wear, I’m building a small capsule of “holiday-ready” outfits.

I start by looking through what I already own. Often, there’s a black dress that just needs new earrings or a pretty wrap, or trousers that feel new again when paired with a silky top. I try everything on. Yes, everything. Not only should it fit properly and be comfortable, but it should make you feel good.

For me, shoes are a big deal, and so many aren’t comfortable. I retry-on any shoes I’m planning to wear. And I factor-in whether it’ll be a standing evening (think cocktail parties), or a sit-down affair. For me, this distinction means ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to heels beyond a certain height. There are plenty of cute shoes that don’t position you for pain halfway through the evening.

If you do need something new (and who doesn’t!?), early November is a good time to get started. The stores are stocked, sizes are available, and the selection hasn’t been picked over by the holiday rush. I’m also more likely to find pieces I truly love rather than ones I buy out of desperation.

I keep one go-to outfit at the ready for casual gatherings (think: cozy but polished), one that works for dressier parties, and one travel-friendly ensemble. Having these ready makes the rest of the season so much lighter.

Nothing ruins the sparkle of an evening faster than feeling like you’ve arrived in something that makes you feel ‘tired’ or completely unfestive.

2. Lining up travel plans and packing smarter

Our adult kids are masters of the eleventh hour flight reservation. Somehow, this always seems to work for them, despite our pleas for a bit of advance planning. Still, if you’re as into living on the edge, early November is as late as you should push things for flights, to nearly any holiday destination. Travel during December is one of life’s great paradoxes: we know it’s coming, yet it still manages to surprise us with delays, full flights, and higher prices.

Check dates with family and friends, book any flights or train tickets, and mark them on your calendar before prices rise. If you’re driving, schedule any car maintenance or snow tire installation, now. There’s something deeply satisfying about checking that box long before Thanksgiving traffic and ice and snow hit.

Packing is another stress point I’ve decided to smooth out. I’ve created a simple “holiday travel list” on my phone. It includes: clothes, chargers, gifts, toiletries, medications, and anything specific for the trip. Each year I add to it, so it becomes easier and more complete.

When you’re not hosting, travel often becomes your biggest holiday stressor. Handling it early, and packing with intention, means that when December comes, you’re not rushing from drawer to drawer. You can simply add everything from your list to your bag, zip it up, and you’re ready to go.

3. Choosing and wrapping host gifts early

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission for any purchases, at no extra cost to you.

One of the kindest, most thoughtful things you can do as a guest is to show up with something beautiful for your host. And one of the most stressful things is trying to find that something two hours before you leave.

So, I’ve already begin a small stash of host gifts. Nothing extravagant, just simple, lovely items that express gratitude. Maybe a bottle of olive oil wrapped with a sprig of rosemary, a pair of linen kitchen towels tied with ribbon, a cozy candle, or a box of handmade chocolates or Biscotti. Part of the beauty of this is that if I purchase a few items in multiples, I’ll have a few left-over. These are great to have on hand for the last-minute friend get-together, which invariably involves a gift.

For the friend who says, ‘no gifts,’ but who always manages to present one, I’ve found this is a real hit for the dog-loving friend. Just add a toy or some treats and you’re set. Or, maybe you have the neighbor who surprises you every year with “a little something.” Have this on hand to reciprocate. Everyone needs these in winter. With just a quick detour to your ‘stash’ and you’re covered.

The trick is not to overthink it but to have enough variety that you can grab and go when needed. I’ll often order a few of the same item in bulk from small makers or local shops. That way, I’m supporting small businesses and saving myself a December errand marathon.

I also keep a few cards and blank gift tags nearby so I can personalize them on the spot. If I know the host well, I’ll sometimes write a short, heartfelt note of appreciation.

By early November, I’ll have a small “gift drawer” stocked and ready. It’s such a simple thing, yet it completely changes the tone of the holidays. Instead of feeling rushed or forgetful, I get to arrive with something thoughtful.

Friend gifts are another category you’re sure to need. Every Happy Hour, lunch, or December outing with friends seems to involve gifts. Here are some of what I’ve already bought this year:

• I find I love every single collection of these. And friends do, too
• I gave this as a birthday gift to a friend and she said it was her favorite gift. I’ve bought a second one for another friend this season
• For gardener friends or anyone who loves peonies, this will be a sure hit

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission for purchases, at no additional cost to you.

4. Self-care before the busy season hits

The holiday season has a funny way of sweeping us up in everyone else’s needs. Even if you’re not hosting, you’re probably traveling, socializing, shopping, and giving. Somewhere in all that bustle, it’s easy to lose your footing, and your routines and your calm.

In November, I try to recommit to setting aside time for movement. This can be a walk every morning or an online strength class. Living in the upper Midwest, the weather is often turning to ice and snow now, which makes having a few options for non-outdoor exercise makes sense.

While not an obvious self-care routine, I also find making a few big batches of chili or soup to freeze means I’m covered, even on the busiest days.

I love a manicure but I don’t love scheduling them or going to them. But during the holiday season, I make sure to schedule a couple, as a bit of a treat for myself. At least for me, if I have an appointment, I’m far more likely to take the time to get one.

I have a few friends who swear by this at-home gel manicure set. They love the ease, cost, and lack of a salon visit for nails that look as professional as the real thing.

5. Planning my calendar and my energy, not just my schedule

When you’re not hosting, it’s tempting to think you don’t need a holiday calendar. But in reality, gatherings, concerts, work events, and family celebrations add up fast. Without some forethought, December can become a blur of overcommitment.

So, beginning November 1, I consider calendar planning as an act of self-preservation. I begin by blocking off the big events I already know about, dinners, office parties, or a trip to see friends. Then I add a few intentional “no-plan” days. I protect them fiercely.

I’ve learned that saying yes to too much makes me less excited about everything. When my calendar reflects my actual energy, I can really look forward to what I’ve committed to.

I also consider the practical side: Will I need to bring food or gifts? What will I wear? Will I have time to recharge afterward? By thinking through those details now, I’m less likely to say yes to things that will drain me later. If you’ve followed the ideas in 1-4, above, you’ve already covered this!

And finally, I like to add a few personal traditions. In early November, my husband and I pick a date and we spend a day holiday shopping. Often, this becomes more of a browsing, get-in-the-holiday-spirit kind of day than an actual gift purchasing event. But it always includes either lunch or dinner out. Blocking out the time and scheduling it helps ensure we’ll actually do it.

I also try to schedule a day of cookie baking, either just me or with friends. And even a wrapping day, as this is one of my least favorite activities, so I like to encapsulate it.

By December, my calendar doesn’t feel like a trap. It feels like an invitation to show up, celebrate, and enjoy. Without losing my mind.

This is the sweet spot for guests, not just hosts

It’s funny, most “holiday prep” advice is written for hosts. But being a guest comes with its own set of invisible to-dos. Outfits, gifts, travel, and timing all take effort. The difference is, guests don’t control the setting, so preparation is the key to peace of mind.

Doing these things early isn’t about over-organizing. It’s about removing friction. It’s about giving yourself the gift of ease so that when December arrives, you’re not flustered, you’re free.

Closing reflection: The gift of an unrushed season

There’s a quiet kind of satisfaction in arriving at an event, at ease. This doesn’t come from luck; it comes from preparation. Even just a little preparation.

So, I’m choosing ease over rush. I’m preparing not just for parties, but for presence. In our case, when our out-of-state kids arrive, I want to be ready to hang out with them, not find myself in a frenzy of activity trying to finish everything.

And that begins now, with a few smart steps in early November that make December so much better.