This year has passed by quickly, and we’re only months away from Christmas. Although it always seems like we have plenty of time to plan ahead for the holidays, the truth is that they can sneak up on us quickly! Planning is essential for major holidays. This is especially true if you run a church and you want to make sure that everything’s perfect for your congregation. From decorations and supplies to charity work and donations, the most wonderful time of the year can be especially meaningful for your church, in particular. If you’re ready to make the most of this year and years to come, here are a few helpful tips on how to get your church ready for Christmas—this year and through those ahead of you.

Get all of the decorations you need early on before the crowds

Last-minute Christmas shopping isn’t just a problem when it comes to buying presents. If you wait too long to get started on holiday season shopping, you can end up having a more challenging time finding all of your most important church decorations. Take, for example, outdoor Christmas lights and replacement bulbs. No matter how large your church is, Christmas lights for indoor and outdoor use are one of the basics for Christmas decorating. LED lights, LED strips, and themed decorations (such as icicle lights) all serve to enhance your space. Additionally, once you have your string lights and extension cords, these items will last you for years to come. Through this holiday season and beyond, your church will be feeling plenty holly jolly.

Figure out how you want to celebrate with your congregation

Although some may solely view Christmas through the lens of celebrating family and friends, Christmas is a sacred time for those who attend church. After all, there’s a reason why you read the Christmas story about Christ’s birth every year! Taking the time to figure out what type of sermon you’re going to preach on Christmas morning that will help your congregation feel inspired and filled with joy will ultimately determine how the day goes. Now is also the perfect time to look for some church essentials that you will need for Christmas and throughout the year, like priest robes, new Bibles, and beyond. After all, the new year is quickly approaching—what better time to stock up on all your necessary supplies for Christ’s coming and beyond?

Make a difference in your community by volunteering or donating

Christmas is a time of giving back to the community, especially to those less fortunate than us. Throwing an event to help others or rallying together to donate money or items to a great cause can be the perfect way for your church to celebrate Christmas. Months ahead of the holiday season, take some time to figure out what your community needs the most. If many could benefit from a food drive or a holiday dinner, you can easily coordinate this type of event. If donating is a better fit for your congregation, you may instead wish to donate good toys to children who need them or even support foundations driving significant change in the world. No matter what it is, donating time and money makes everyone feel great.

Christmas planning can seem stressful and hectic, but it doesn’t have to be. If your congregation loves Christmas and you want to make sure that you give them the best Christmas possible, use the tips above to plan for the decorations you need to have in place and some of your holiday plans and charitable events. The sooner you have these planned out, the smoother your Christmas at church will go.