If you’re planning to send out photo Christmas cards this year, you may find yourself less stressed if you get started now. Sure, it sounds strange to be thinking about Christmas cards in the middle of September, but if you want your photo card to be as perfect as possible, it’s going to require some advanced planning.

First, you can take the picture now, when the weather is nicer outside, or you can have a larger pool of pictures to choose from if you take several on different days and in different settings. You can even use candid shots from a family getaway, if you want to avoid the classic, cheesy “family Christmas picture.” Some designs of cards use more than one photo, so if you choose your design before taking the picture, you’ll know how many you need to take and what kind of picture it should be for the best fit.

You might also save a little money if you order your Christmas photo cards early. Companies who get slammed during the Christmas rush are likely to reward customers who shop early with extra discounts. You’ll also avoid shipping delays due to the holiday rush.

Lastly, you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you’re already running around, totally stressed, during November and December. The last thing you want to be doing in between your corporate Christmas party and shopping for Uncle Charlie’s perfect gift is trying to take the ideal Christmas card photo. If you order the cards in advance, you can also address the envelopes early and get them ready for mailing-one less thing to do in December.

So this year, save yourself a little time and stress by planning ahead when it comes to your Christmas photo cards. You can thank us later. ;)