The holidays, typically associated with joy and celebration, can also bring a significant amount of stress, especially for those tasked with organizing and planning events. Experts say that starting the planning process early can reduce this stress and help make the season more enjoyable for everyone involved. According to Jamila E. Holcomb, a licensed marriage and family therapist and associate teaching professor at Florida University, the responsibility of making the holidays happen often falls disproportionately on women and caregivers. This includes tasks such as coordinating travel, planning meals, buying gifts, arranging childcare, managing schedules, and handling family conflicts. These duties, often referred to as "invisible labor," are not always recognized but play a crucial role in ensuring the holidays run smoothly. The pressure to create the "perfect" holiday is not only logistical but also shaped by cultural expectations. Many people feel the need to craft a meaningful, memorable, and even visually appealing holiday experience—often influenced by social media trends. To manage this, experts recommend beginning the planning process early, allowing for more flexibility and reducing last-minute stress. Travel expert Katy Nastro suggests booking domestic flights three to seven months in advance and international flights four to 10 months ahead. She notes that securing travel plans by the end of September for Thanksgiving can be beneficial. Similarly, rental cars can be reserved now, with the option to cancel if plans change. Starting early also allows for more thoughtful gift shopping, especially for those on a tight budget or coordinating group gifts. For example, content creator Rachel Ann Thomas and her siblings begin brainstorming gift ideas for their parents in September or October. Planner Lance "Mr. Christmas" Devereux starts tracking sizes and placing orders for matching Christmas pajamas before November. Creating new traditions and sharing the planning responsibilities can also ease the burden. Holcomb advises asking loved ones what they want the holiday to feel like and what traditions or events matter most. Creating a shared calendar or spreadsheet can help track logistics and divide responsibilities among family members. Advance planning also allows for downtime, which is crucial for everyone’s well-being. Emily Barry, senior vice president of holiday planning at Minted, recommends adding rest into the schedule and protecting mornings or evenings when nothing is planned. She advises making the schedule meaningful rather than perfect, focusing on the most important moments for everyone to be together.