NATCHEZ — Newlyweds Meagan and Brian Smith are patiently counting down the days to Christmas without the stress of last-minute shopping or decorating.

That’s because Meagan had their Christmas tree, stockings, decorations and presents ready since the beginning of November.

And when The Dart landed on John Glenn Avenue Wednesday, Meagan was quick to say why the need to bring Christmas spirit to their house early is so important.

“It’s my favorite holiday by far,” she said, while holding her dog Rocko, who was appropriately dressed in a reindeer outfit. “I’m very impatient, so I just had to go ahead and get everything done.”

The Smith’s Christmas tree stands bright and colorful in the corner of their living room and is one of the jewels of Meagan’s decorations.

Apart from being the ultimate sign that Christmas is near, the tree also serves to display a number of ornaments the couple has amassed in the three years they’ve been together.

From a small-decorated skull purchased in Mexico to a football wearing a Santa hat, each ornament has its own story to go along with it.

But Meagan’s favorite two ornaments on the tree symbolize two important dates — their first Christmas together and their first Christmas as a married couple.

The two got married in Natchez on Sept. 28, and Meagan said it was the only present she needed this Christmas.

“Christmas came early for me this year,” she said.

And while Meagan got her present early, she still had to shop for the rest of her family and friends to make sure everyone got something on their lists.

That feat wasn’t terribly difficult, Meagan said, thanks to the ease of online shopping.

“I have an Etsy addiction, so I’m on there all the time,” she said, referring to a popular e-commerce website where vendors sell handmade or vintage items. “I do my shopping throughout the year, so if I see something I know someone will like, I’ll just go ahead and order it and save it.”

The early shopping and decorations don’t bother Brian too much, he said.

“If she wants to get it done early, that works for me,” he said. “I tried to tell her not to put the tree up that early, but it went up.

“I like Christmas, but not as much as her.”

With the decorations and presents all done, Meagan said she’s left to count down the days to celebrate the holiday with the couple’s families.

“I just want everyone to have a good Christmas,” she said. “Then I’ll take the tree down the day after Christmas and start counting down until next year.”