December 12, 2018

9 Things You Can Do Now to Simplify Your Holidays

Feeling the pressure of December?  Here we are two weeks before Christmas and if you’re like me you have a slight wave of overwhelm with all that ‘still’ has to get done. Today I have a handful of ideas for you, designed to take make things simple, with even simpler ways of completing them. These are the steps I find myself taking mid-December every year and it’s so helpful for me, I hope that it’s helpful for you too!  I love the challenge of trying to make things simple and fuss-free. I hope that it’s helpful for you too!

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO CLEAR THE SCHEDULE – Say no more than yes and definitely don’t say maybe because as my kids say, maybe means yes 🙂

DON’T PUT OFF DECLUTTERING – There’s no reason to put off a little decluttering just because it’s December and you’re busy. Use a basket or a bag to put items that you’re can donate – once it’s filled up, take it to your favorite donation place.  It’s also a great time to assess your kids’ rooms and toys to make room for gifts.

MAKE A LIST or TWO –  Putting those to-do’s on paper is essential when it feels like there’s so much to do. Keep the list(s) where you’ll see them and don’t be afraid to not finish something or toss that list out when needed. Need a good to do list? Check out my free printables page!

SPEND AS LITTLE TIME AS POSSIBLE CLEANING – keep it quick and easy – this isn’t the time for a brand new routine, but if you’re following my routine, keep it up the best you can. Keep an eye out for a brand-new Homekeeping Society coming later this week – it’ll be a gift for your 2019 self 🙂

COLOR CODE WRAPPING PAPER WHEN EXCHANGING GIFTS – This is super simple and makes things really easy when you’re bringing gifts to other houses.  Wrap each family in one type OR color of wrapping paper.  That way you know what goes where and it keeps wrapping easy.

HAVE GUESTS COMING IN FROM OUT OF TOWN?  Use my free 30-Minute Company’s Coming Checklist.  It’ll give you the guidance you need to get things done in a hurry.  Make sure you’re all stocked up on paper products – tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, napkins, etc.

START A TRADITION or DECIDE WHICH TRADITIONS YOU’LL KEEP – decide on a couple things that you will do every single year and do those. Keep the traditions simple and memorable. Our favorites? Decorating the tree and house (yes, that’s a tradition), decorating pre-made gingerbread houses, reading Christmas books, making cookies, going on a Christmas house tour, sending Christmas cards, driving through the neighborhood looking at lights….
BAKING COOKIES?  MAKE DOUGH AHEAD OF TIME AND FREEZE IT – This post from Sally’s Baking Addiction has over 75 Christmas cookies and they’re all categorized for easy browsing.  Another cookie baking tip?  Less is more – choose 3-5 favorites and maybe one new one to try.

image via Sally’s Baking Addiction

PLAY GAMES and WATCH CHRISTMAS MOVIES – We DVR movies all month long and love cuddling up on the couch to watch a good holiday movie. I also make sure we have games accessible to whip up a batch of hot chocolate and play a board game.

DON’T OVERSHOP – Just a couple meaningful presents go a lot further than a huge pile of stuff. I like to shop with this in mind – something to wear, something to read, something to do. Come January you’ll thank yourself for keeping it easy. Still need a shopping list?  Grab one on the free printables page here.

How about you?  What would you add? Share your tips in the comments!