Its not too early to plan ahead. Usually the last three months prior to the birthday show an energy change that might begin to reflect the energy for the upcoming year. It is good to watch the three lunar returns prior the the birth day for that reason.
For me to read a solar return the natal should be included. Though the solar return can be read as a stand alone and kind of a horary chart, it is better to know what natal house is rising, if natal planets are high or close to the MC in the solar, if natals are in tight aspect to solar planets or house cusps and where the natal north node is being affected. I also like to look for repeating energy to see if natal potential is manifesting.
If we read it as a stand alone chart we look at the suns location which is in the fifth. This brings ego focus on 5th house matters. With venus so close this might suggest either romantic energy as an ego focus or since venus rules the 3rd and 10th work creativity and communication. Pluto and mercury are also in the 5th suggesting a transformation of sorts in this house and with mercury communication might be a focus. Now mercury is also the traditional ruler of children. But also short trips so again there are some variable.
The moon and urnaus so close together in the 7th promises some unexpected changes in the partnership arena and a lot of emotions in this area as well. It looks the sun is the last aspect the moon makes before it leaves the sign and this bodes well for fifth house issues. Mars is quite distinctly alone in the chart as your only fire sign in this solar and in the 12th house maybe indicating energy suppressed or some sort of loss of assertion. I particularly suspect this to be on target as it suuports the general lay of the chart with most planets below the horizon and in the partnership sector thus you will tend to lean on others for decisions. Now if your natal house rising speaks another tune I might modify this. Needless to say mars and fire as a stand alone in the 12th tells us something very clearly about your energy level. With little to connect it to others it could imply an imbalance of energy either ignoring that energy for yourself or becoming quite wrapped up in it to the exclusion of all other parts of your chart. I would suppect a lot would depend on the significance of mars in your natal chart.
Well I hope this helps some.