Picture this: twinkling lights, laughter in the background, and the scent of gingerbread wafting through the air...
This is a far cry from reality of most parents experience at Christmas! Heaping chaos, running out of eggs, trying to manage everyone’s tantrums, and a never-ending pile of dishes in the kitchen sounds more familiar.
Christmas is meant to be magical, but it often feels like a marathon. This year, let’s change that. With a little planning, a sprinkle of creativity, and a focus on what truly matters, you can have a less stressful holiday season that’s still brimming with joy and meaning. Ready to make it happen? Here are 10 practical tips to get you started.
1. Plan Ahead
The key to a smooth holiday season is getting ahead of the curve. Start by mapping out the essentials: meals, gift shopping, and festive activities.
Use tools like ChatGPT to create simple meal plans, shopping lists, and cooking schedules tailored to your timeline.
Print out our free Christmas countdown calendar to track the days and keep everyone excited and organized: Download here.
Buy food online to avoid those crazy shopping centres
When you plan ahead, you can fully enjoy the holiday magic without last-minute stress
2. Go minimalist
Simplify wherever you can to save time and energy for what matters most. More stuff doesn’t necessarily mean more fun.
Consider using paper plates and cups for Christmas meals. Let your kids pick out fun, festive designs—they’ll love being involved, and you’ll love having less to clean up.
Focus on traditions and decor that truly bring your family joy, skipping anything that feels like a chore.
Go minimalist with decorations focusing on a small selection of cherished ornaments and centrepieces. I love this tutorial on minimalist decorating! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW78J7iWKXA
Invest in a couple of large boxes to pack away regular décor while Christmas decorations get their time to shine.
When you focus on the essentials, you’ll have more energy for enjoying the moment.
3. Spread Out the Gift-Opening
Who says all the presents have to be opened in one frenzied morning? Stretch out the excitement over a few days:
Open Santa’s gifts on Christmas Eve.
Save family gifts for Christmas morning.
Unwrap presents from parents on Christmas evening.
This slower pace not only prolongs the magic but also helps children appreciate each gift fully, encouraging gratitude and mindfulness.
4. Charity
Make charitable giving a meaningful part of your holiday tradition by supporting families in need.
Encourage your kids to pick out a toy or book for a donation drive.
Helping others is a beautiful way to honor the spirit of Christmas while teaching compassion and kindness.
5. Let Kids Be Secret Santas
Gift-giving can be creative and exciting for your children by letting them play Secret Santa for a sibling or someone they love.
Give each child a small budget and help them brainstorm thoughtful gift ideas.
Take them shopping or help them craft something unique if they’re feeling creative.
Watch their excitement grow as they wrap and eagerly wait to see the recipient’s reaction.
This simple tradition helps teach children generosity and encourages them to feel good about themselves.
6. Focus on Experiences
At the end of the day, it’s how we felt that stays with us. To focus on those happy feels:
Start your own unique tradition like crafting homemade ornaments or writing letters to each other to open next Christmas.
Bake cookies together, do a family Christmas themed photo, play Christmas games or look back at old Christmas memories together.
Avoid cramming too much into Christmas Day. If you have multiple families to visit, negotiate to celebrate on different days or alternate years. It’s better to truly enjoy one gathering than to rush through two and feel stressed.
By centering your holiday on experiences, you’ll create stories to cherish for years to come.
7. Stick to a Budget
Nothing saps holiday joy like overspending. Avoid the financial hangover by setting a budget early and sticking to it.
Plan ahead for thoughtful but affordable gifts, such as homemade goodies or framed photos.
Try a family gift exchange where everyone buys for just one person—less shopping, more fun!
Agree on a spending limit that everyone is happy with to keep things from getting out of hand
A clear budget keeps the season joyful and helps you start the new year on the right financial foot.
8. Schedule Downtime
Too much fun = meltdowns and overstimulation. To avoid feeling frazzled, schedule times for rest and relaxation.
Play relaxing music (I love this lo-fi Christmas jazz playlist: “lofi Christmas 2024” on Spotify) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1wXlfgyX8qToek5prB3NoB
Dedicate one day to a “pyjama party” with hot cocoa and holiday movies.
Take a long family stroll to admire the decorations in your neighbourhood.
Create a calm zone with relaxing activities like drawing or lego building.
If you are lucky enough to have this option: when you start to feel overwhelmed, ask for 20 mins to check out, go be by yourself in a quiet space or take a nice long warm shower.
Give yourself permission to pause, recharge your batteries and help everyone savour the season.
9. Use Cameras Wisely
With thoughtful use of the camera, you can achieve holiday pics that truly capture the fun.
When to Take Photos: Snap candid shots during heartfelt moments—cuddles, laughter, kids opening gifts, or everyone gathered around a table. Avoid over-staging; natural expressions make the best memories.
When to Use Voice Recordings: Record the little things you’ll want to remember—kids’ laughter, a family member telling a story, or your child’s excitement as they make a card or decorate an ornament. These audio moments can bring memories to life in a unique way.
Set Up a Special Family Photo:
Choose a time when everyone is most relaxed.
Find a place with lots of natural lighting to avoid harsh shadows.
For casual charm, let everyone wear festive pyjamas or fun props like Santa hats.
Set a timer or use a tripod to ensure everyone is in the shot.
Technology can be your best ally when it’s used thoughtfully!
10. Reflect and Reconnect
As the season winds down, take a moment to reflect on what made it special.
At bedtime, ask the kids to share their favourite part of the day.
Express gratitude together for the joys, big and small, that being together brought.
Ending on a reflective note ties everything together and leaves you with a full heart as you step into the new year.
Final Thoughts
By planning ahead, keeping things simple and focusing on connecting with your family, you can create a time that’s more relaxed and magical without the stress. Try a few of these ideas, and don’t forget to share your own favourite tips in the comments!
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