Simplifying the Holidays Before They Start

Every year it feels like the season picks up speed before we even catch our breath. Before the shopping lists grow and the invites start rolling in, there’s something powerful about pausing long enough to decide how you want this season to feel.

1. Start With What Actually Matters to You

Most of the stress comes from trying to match a picture in our heads or a tradition we don’t even enjoy anymore. Take a second to decide what you want your home, your family, and your heart to experience this season.

• What brings peace?

• What brings joy?

• What just brings pressure?

I used to believe we had to have elaborate plans in order to really celebrate the season, but I've since chosen the more laid back approach and simply seek moments that we can just hang out together as a family. 

2. Set Three Priorities for the Season

Instead of trying to do everything, pick your top three priorities.
These could be:

• Quality family time

• A simple holiday meal plan

• Budget-friendly gifting

• Protecting your peace

• Being present with your spouse

• Strengthening your faith intentions through the season

Your three set the tone for everything else.

Prioritizing what matters to you most will help you to filter out the other distractions and prevent overwhelm. Consider this a compass too guide you through creating the most meaningful season.

3. Create a “No Stress” Plan

This is all about removing the mental clutter before the month gets crowded.

Build a quick plan for:

• What events you’re saying yes to

• What you’re politely declining

• What you’re delegating

• What you’re simplifying (meals, gift wrap, social commitments)

• What you’re not doing at all this year

Keep it honest and realistic. You’re not running a holiday production. This approach allows for allows for choosing peace over exhaustion so you are able to actually enjoy the season.

4. Simplify Your Gift Strategy

Instead of individual, scattered shopping, create one simple system:

• Same-category gifting

• Experience gifts

• Small thoughtful items

• Personalized handwritten notes

• Family name draws

• Digital gifts

Simple often feels more meaningful anyway. Financially, many of us are tapped out, but this allows for creativity to shine in more meaningful ways, I've been considering just making custom gifts this year in order to avoid any shopping angst.

5. Create One or Two Intentional Rituals

A season doesn’t need ten traditions, just one or two that feel grounding.

Ideas include:

• Weekly family hot chocolate nights

• Advent devotional or prayer time

• A cozy night-in with your spouse

• One holiday movie everyone chooses

• A gratitude moment or journal

• A simple giving-back moment

Our main focus has been just finding small things we can do together as a family. We having a Lego building competition coming up that I'm excited about.

6. Protect Your Peace Without Apologizing

This part matters. You don’t have to keep up appearances, perform joy, or force energy you don’t have. You get to create a holiday season that honors your capacity and your values.

Say no when needed. Rest when needed. Silence is a boundary too.

7. Let the Planner Keep You Centered

If you’re trying to keep your faith, priorities, and peace aligned, the Faith & Personal Growth Planner has pages that make this so much easier. It keeps everything grounded in what matters, not the noise.