I'd vote fill after Christmas, run no lights the whole time so you don't get algae. Seed with some live rubble/bio media from an established tank. Don't bother with any liquids or anything else until you're back from your trip. Maybe use a plastic lid to keep evaporation down while you're out.Update...
Plumber installed the RODI and works great. I bought 4 of those Jugs thinking I would buy water from LFS but decided I want my own water Working out the water change game plan and think I got it down. Will use jug 1 for my fill-RODI and jug 2 & 3 ready with RODI and jug 4 for my eventual ATO container. Sand arriving Sat and I keep admiring my scape but now decisions....
*Dec-18 to 20 wife and I will be watching our son play in the Famous Potato Bowl in Boise. Go Spartans! #92!. Told him I deserve a sack since I'm delaying my tank for him
*Dec 23-25th in LA
*Feb3 to 24 to Asia for business ( Wife will be around)
Don't want to mess with a ATO and don't want to come back with a mess so I think right after Xmas is when I am filling. I will also cycle until my arrival from Asia ( Can I bring back Coral in my carry on?)
Definitely don't bring back any coral from Asia since you need import permits and frankly you can get anything you'd want locally from High Tide or other members giving away frags.