Christmas always sneaks up on me! Each year, it feels like school has just started and then suddenly, it’s the end of November. And I haven’t even begun to think about Christmas, much less prepare for it.
This year, things are going to be different. I’m already beginning to plan and prepare early. No more waiting until the last minute.
A stress-free Christmas. That’s the gift I’m giving to myself this year. No rushing around, no-sky high expectations.
Does the idea of a stress-free Christmas appeal to you? I’m convinced it’s entirely achievable with early planning and preparation. And deciding this: “You don’t have to do it all.”
Continue reading for tips and ideas on how you can have a simple, less stressful Christmas too!
Set a budget.
We try to avoid this B-word: budget. Whether you’re completely strict with the budget you set or you have some flexibility, it’s wise to have an overarching plan.
Discuss this issue with your spouse, so you’re both on the same page.
What should you set a budget for? Definitely Christmas gifts, as this tends to be our greatest expense by far. Don’t forget to include Christmas decorations and additional Christmas activities. If your budget can accommodate everything, that’s wonderful. If not, prioritize what matters most to you and your family this year.
Be realistic and don’t feel bad if you can’t do it all. Most of us can’t. But that doesn’t have to make your Christmas any less magical.
Create holiday gift lists.
Do you typically wait until the month of December to purchase all your Christmas gifts? No wonder the holidays stress you out! Consider spreading out your shopping and have it completed by December 1st! That’s a great goal.
For your children, compile ideas throughout the year as grandparents often inquire, “What do the kids want for Christmas?” Maintain an Amazon list for each child, adding items they’ve mentioned or that you believe they would enjoy. You can then share this list easily with family members. This year, I have created a spreadsheet with gift ideas, as well as links to the products.
Track gift ideas for other family members as well. When sales arise, you’ll know exactly what to buy and what to skip.
Aim to have all your ideas gathered before the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping sales. I usually finalize the bulk of my shopping during this particular weekend. I’m always looking to take advantage of the sales. Never spend full price on an item if you can get it on sale! This strategy enables me to buy more or higher-quality gifts at a lower cost.
Establish a gift-wrapping station.
Consider setting up a “gift-wrapping station” in your home, a designated area where you store all the necessary wrapping supplies: tape, scissors, name tags, markers, and wrapping paper.
I purchase one or two large rolls of double-sided wrapping paper from Sam’s Club annually, giving me four different wrapping paper designs. Simplicity is key.
Develop a present-wrapping strategy. Decide whether to wrap gifts as you buy them, upon delivery, or to allocate one or two evenings to wrap everything at once.
With four children to shop for, I prefer to wrap gifts as they arrive whenever possible. Children have a knack for discovering even the best hiding spots, so this way, I don’t have to worry about any unwrapped gifts being found and potentially “ruining” Christmas.
Tip: Use a specific wrapping paper for each child (no name tags needed!), so they won’t know which presents are theirs until Christmas morning.
Determine traditions and activities you plan on doing this year.
Identify what is most important for you and your family. It’s irrelevant what your cousin or best friend does for their Christmas traditions; it must suit your family’s needs.
Did something not go as planned last year? Consider whether to omit it this year.
Was there an activity that everyone loved last year? Make sure to fit it in again this season.
Involve the kids in the planning. Allow each child to choose one non-negotiable activity they wish to do this year. For me, it’s all about making Christmas magical for my kids. If they are enjoying their holiday season, so am I!
For inspiration, refer to my Ultimate Christmas Bucket List post, which offers 25 ideas to try this year.
When should you start? Ideally, in November. Aim to have plans solidified before December 1st. This allows time for any necessary purchases, like a gingerbread house kit or any supplies needed.
Make a decor plan.
Take inventory of your existing Christmas decorations to determine if you need to purchase any new items this year—act quickly before they sell out!
- Are you considering buying Christmas ornaments for your children?
- Do you want to get a fresh wreath for your front door?
- Are there any decorative pieces you need to fill in any gaps?
I encourage you to buy these items well before the weekend you plan to decorate to avoid any last-minute trips to the store.
I tend to use the same decorations each year, placing them in the same spots. Taking photos each year can be helpful to remind you where you’ve placed items in the past.
Sure, you can embrace creativity into your decorating this year, or feel free to display them as you have in past years if that’s your preference. Your kids will be thrilled and they’re unlikely to recall whether or not it’s the exact placement as the previous year.
When setting up lights and decorations outside, do so in advance to maximize your enjoyment. Ideally, aim to light them up the day after Thanksgiving!
Purchase festive outfits.
Ok, so Christmas-themed clothing definitely isn’t a necessity, but it can be a delightful addition to a festive Christmas, if it fits within your budget. Christmas pajamas and fancy attire for Christmas Eve are the essentials, in my opinion.
Securing a fresh, stylish outfit for everyone to wear on the Sunday before Christmas or to the Christmas Eve service is something I enjoy. Embrace the festive spirit with Christmas-themed sweaters or go all out with themed attire if that brings you joy.
Keep an eye out for sales. For example, if there’s a particular pajama set you’re eyeing for the children, consider setting up price drop alerts (offered by some retailers) to snag a bargain. However, it’s wise to have a final date in mind to avoid missing out.
Choose recipes to make.
Make a plan for the recipes you want to make during the Christmas season. You could create a Christmas 2024 Recipes Pinterest board to keep track of everything.
Stock up on baking essentials, like extra sugar, butter, flour, and any other ingredients. It’s best to have everything you need on hand, so you’re good to go, when the baking inspiration spikes.
Experiment with a couple new recipes this year! I encourage you to check out the amazing recipes Pinterest has to offer. Pick some simple recipes that allow the children to assist in the kitchen.
Decide on the menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—whether you’re at home, meeting with family nearby, or traveling afar, ensure you plan your meals in advance.
Consider the “optional” things.
Consider carefully the “extras” this season. Engage in them only if they bring you peace and joy this Christmas. Say good-bye to unnecessary stress. Say “no” to the things that don’t truly matter. And embrace those that make your children’s eyes twinkle with wonder and excitement.
- Are you considering a DIY project this year?
- Would you like to make a Christmas craft with your children?
- Do you need to buy tickets for any Christmas events?
Is sending out Christmas cards on your agenda this year? It seems less common these days. We haven’t sent them in years, and honestly, I don’t miss it. It’s a charming tradition, but the additional stress it brings is something I prefer to avoid.
Embrace all the beauty and joy of Christmas.
Planning ahead will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty and joy of Christmas this year.
I encourage you to keep it simpler than you think it needs to be. Go all out if that’s what you want. But…if you want to thoroughly enjoy Christmas, it’s not necessary to do everything.
You really don’t have to.
Indeed, purchasing and wrapping gifts is necessary. Yes, buying and preparing food is also essential. Decorating the house is part of the preparations, and planning fun activities for the family should not be overlooked.
But reflect on what you can eliminate. If you desire to have a simplified Christmas, you can in fact, achieve a simplified Christmas.
Participation in additional gift exchanges at work or church parties is not mandatory. Nor is it necessary to attend your neighbor’s band concert or your cousin’s choir concert. If these events bring you joy, then certainly participate in them! However, if they detract from the joy of Christmas, it’s okay to decline.
Your children and family will be fine. No one will suffer. In fact, you will most likely benefit from embracing simplicity.
Consider the humble birth of Jesus in a stable, laid in a manger. There were no extravagant decorations; it was the epitome of simplicity. The King of Kings arrived in calm and silence, in an ordinary barn. Find peace in Jesus this Christmas season.
