The ideal time to start planning for the holidays with your family is…right now

The holidays are just around the corner, but the ideal time to start planning them is now, according to experts. While the calendar may still be calling it summer, the truth is that holiday preparations can quickly become stressful and overwhelming, particularly if you have a large family.

One reason to begin early is to save money on essential items like flights and groceries. Prices have increased over the past year, and waiting to make these purchases can result in higher costs. Travel expert Katy Nastro advises booking domestic flights between three and seven months in advance and international flights between four and 10 months prior. For rental cars, she suggests reserving them now, as prices can fluctuate and you may want to have an option if needed.

Early fall is also an excellent time to start shopping for gifts, especially if you're on a budget or coordinating a group gift with multiple people. Content creator Rachel Ann Thomas and her eight siblings begin brainstorming ideas for their parents' holiday gift in September or October each year. By setting a shopping list, you'll have time to find sales and make purchases gradually, avoiding last-minute stress and high shipping costs.

Moreover, starting the planning process early allows you to create new traditions or modify existing ones. This is a chance to determine what would be meaningful, fun, and low-stress for your family. Holcomb, a licensed marriage and family therapist, recommends asking family members about their holiday expectations, traditions, and desires. Creating a shared calendar or spreadsheet can help keep track of logistics and divide responsibilities among all parties involved.