As we approach the end of November, the holiday season has officially shifted into high gear. For many, this time of year is synonymous with overindulgence, overspending, and overscheduling. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Read on for ten ways to reduce stress and bring the peace and joy back to your holiday season.
Discover the joy of less
Earlier this year, my daughter Laura moved across the country to British Columbia. She’s coming home for Christmas, but she made a special request: NO GIFTS! Like me, she prefers to travel with just a carry on, so she won’t have room to take a bunch of stuff back with her.
Complying with this request will be difficult because it also impacts the other three people in our family. At the same time, it’s an opportunity to reset expectations and think about what really matters.
In the past, I’ve been guilty of trying to do it all. In recent years, my vision of an ideal Christmas has shifted, thanks mainly to pandemic restrictions.
In 2020, we spent Christmas at home as a family of four for the first time ever. On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a wonderful walk through the neighbourhood to see the lights and decorations. On Christmas Day, we watched Christmas specials, enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner and just spent time together. Mother Nature even cooperated by delivering a lovely blanket of snow—what Environment Canada defines as a perfect Christmas. It was fabulous!
The pandemic gave us the opportunity to refocus on what really matters. Sadly, when things opened up again, most people jumped right back on the treadmill and holiday stress levels ramped back up. We missed the lesson!
Decide what matters—to you!
Instead of just automatically doing everything you’ve always done, make this the year you reduce your stress by simplifying your holiday traditions. Start by making a list of everything you think you need to do. Then, categorize everything on the list as “must do”, “nice to do” or “no-one will notice”.
This exercise will help you decide what matters to you—what’s worth your time and what isn’t. If you need some ideas to cut down your list, here are 10 ways to simplify the holidays.
10 tips for a simple holiday season
Reduce your gift list
Do you really need to buy gifts for everyone you know? And does everyone in your house need a huge pile of presents to open on Christmas morning?
Instead of exchanging gifts, suggest to loved ones that you plan a fun outing, make a charitable donation, or volunteer as a group. For immediate family, consider reducing gifts to just stockings. We’ve done that for several years and, thanks to Laura’s “NO GIFTS” request, we’ll be reducing even further this year.
If money is tight, or if you just can’t say no to exchanging gifts with your friend group or extended family, consider a recycled gift exchange where everyone re-gifts something from their home. You could even turn the exchange into a fun game.
Shop local
It’s tempting to shop at the big box stores, or to order online from national chains, but small businesses are a better alternative. Chances are their stores will be less crowded, and you may just find unique gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list.
Make some DIY gift certificates
Sometimes the best gift you can give is your time. Make some gift certificates for childcare, pet sitting, dog walking, snow shovelling, or anything else you can offer, and give them to the people on your list.
Simplify your wrapping
Wrapping is my least favourite holiday chore. Even putting on Christmas music and pouring a glass of wine doesn’t take the stress away. To me, gift bags were one of the best inventions ever. Not only are they reusable, but they’re a huge time saver.
And, if you’re a new parent, tell your kids that Santa doesn’t wrap gifts. I didn’t learn this trick until our family’s Santa traditions were well established. It could have saved me a lot of time over the years.
Make time for simple pleasures
Take time to enjoy simple pleasures like reading a Christmas book together, going for a skate on a local pond or community rink, or just walking around the neighbourhood enjoying the Christmas lights.
Plan fun “at home” activities
Get creative. There are so many awesome activities that you can do without leaving home. Here are some ideas:
- Set aside a night to watch old Christmas movies.
- Play cards or get out the old board games.
- Make a Christmas puzzle together as a family.
- Build a snowman.
- Look through old photo albums or watch home movies.
- Gather around the piano for a family carol sing. Or find some karaoke tracks on YouTube.
Say no to some invitations
Don’t feel like you have to accept every invitation. It’s easy to overschedule yourself at this busy time of year. Instead of feeling guilty for saying no, suggest a get-together in January or February after the holiday rush. Having something to look forward to is a great way to beat the winter blahs.
Cut down on baking
Martha Stewart be damned! You don’t have to spend hours—or days—in the kitchen baking. Find a local bakery and buy your treats. You’ll be less stressed, and you’ll support a local small business at the same time.
Over the years, I’ve simplified my Christmas baking to two or three favourites, and I buy the rest.
If you enjoy baking and want to have an assortment of baked goods without all the stress, organize a cookie exchange. If you’ve never done one, it’s simple. Everyone bakes a dozen of their favourite cookie for each participant. In return, you get a dozen cookies from each of the other participants. You get a great variety with a much smaller investment of time.
Simplify your holiday dinner
A great meal is synonymous with Christmas but pulling it all together can be a big source of stress. Here are some tips for a simpler holiday dinner.
- Think beyond turkey and stuffing. Who says you have to have the same meal every year?
- Look for dishes you can make ahead and reheat.
- Use your slow cooker to simplify meal prep. My festive dinners always include my sweet & simple slow cooker glazed carrots, and easy & delicious slow cooker stuffing.
- Make it potluck.
Schedule some “me time”
Finally, don’t forget to set aside some time on your calendar to recharge and take care of yourself. Read, watch the snow fall, or just do nothing. It’s called “me time” for a reason. Do what you want to do!
Make 2023 the year you say no to excess and embrace the simple joys of the holiday season. You may just start a whole new set of traditions.
How do you keep your holiday celebrations simple? Tell us your tips below.
Learn more about me in my bio and on my personal blog at BoomerEcoCrusader.com. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.