There are a few things you can do now to take the pressure off in December. One of them is getting a head start on Christmas cards.
I try to spread this out over the month of November.
Week one: address the envelopes.
Week two: write the newsletter, if your family does that, or write personal messages in the cards. Leave the cards in a convenient place for your family members to sign when they have a moment.
Week three: if you include a photo, choose it now and have copies made.
Week four: buy stamps, stuff and seal the envelopes.
Done. Ready to mail at the beginning of December.