i would plan to offer gift wrap, some promotions and send out newsletter a few weeks before the season.
Do some special offers on delivery and discounts when a certain amount is spent, the generally encourages customers to buy more gifts from your site before going to the next. As above you can offer optional "free" gift wrapping etc. and decorate the site appropriate to the season.
cheap offers and better prices people get from online retailers because products come to you immediate from the maker or supplier without middle men engaged.
Promotional offers, Seasonal Offer which is quiet different from your customers. You can offer some gifts, Discounts as well.
These are all great ideas. I think that offering free shipping on big shopping days such as Cyber Monday and Black Friday are crucial. Shopgate just published an eBook on holiday preparation http://www.shopgate.com/us/holiday_ecommerce_ebook that gives online shops ideas and tips about how they can prepare for the Christmas season.