Stress Less, Celebrate More: Simple Steps to Get Organised for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but between the shopping, decorating, and party planning, it can feel overwhelming! To help you enjoy this time to the fullest, here are some simple steps to get organised, cut down on stress, and make more room for the things that really matter. Let’s make this holiday season about celebrating, not stressing!

1. Start with a Simple Plan

Getting organised doesn’t mean doing everything; it’s about focusing on what matters most. Start by listing your top holiday priorities—whether it’s hosting a dinner, seeing friends, or cozy nights watching Christmas movies at home. Use this list as a guide to focus only on what truly brings you joy.

Tip: Set up a holiday calendar and block off days for specific activities, like gift shopping or meal prep. When you schedule in advance, it’s easier to avoid last-minute rush.

2. Streamline Your Gift List

Gift-giving is fun, but it can also be overwhelming. Take a minimalist approach this year by focusing on meaningful gifts over quantity. Rather than getting a bunch of smaller items, choose gifts that hold special value or create memories, like experiences or handmade items.

Tip: Set a budget and stick to it! A simple plan helps you shop faster and keeps your spending on track, leaving more time (and money) for other holiday treats.

3. Create a Wrapping Station

Set up a small wrapping station in your home with everything you need: paper, scissors, tape, and labels. Keeping all your materials in one spot saves time and makes gift-wrapping feel like less of a chore. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the holiday spirit going, as you can wrap gifts as you go along rather than in one rushed evening.

Tip: For a more sustainable Christmas you could skip gift wrapping and use gift bags or fabric wrapping like the Japanese technique, Furoshiki.

4. Plan for Easy Meals

The holiday season often involves more cooking, whether for family dinners or friends get together. Keep it simple by planning easy, crowd-pleasing recipes you can make ahead or quickly prepare. Go-to meals, slow cooker recipes, or one-tray dishes are great options to make hosting or contributing to gatherings a breeze.

Tip: Have a few “grab and go” snack platters ready for guests or movie nights, like a cheese board or seasonal fruit tray. It’s festive, low-stress, and allows you more time to enjoy with everyone.

5. Declutter Before You Decorate

It’s tempting to go all out with decorations, but a few well-chosen items can have a big impact. Start by doing a quick declutter of your main living areas, so when you bring out the holiday decor, it doesn’t feel like you’re adding to an already full space. This will make decorating simpler and keep things looking festive without being chaotic.

Tip: Focus on a few key decor areas, like your entryway, living room, or dining table. A small amount of seasonal decor in high-impact areas can feel just as magical as decking every part of your home.

6. Make Time for Yourself

With all the hustle and bustle, self-care often falls to the bottom of the list. This year, add “me time” to your holiday calendar. Whether it’s a coffee break at your favourite café, a cozy night with a book, or a walk to see holiday lights, taking small breaks will help you recharge and keep the season enjoyable.

Tip: Treat your “me time” like any other appointment. Blocking off even 20 minutes here and there helps you feel more balanced and prevents holiday burnout.

7. Set Up an Easy Clean-Up System

A simple cleanup routine will save you time and keep the house feeling fresh throughout the season. Set up a quick routine for the main areas: tidy up the entryway, fluff pillows, and wipe down surfaces. These little touches make a big difference without requiring a major cleaning effort.

Tip: Set up a few designated “drop zones” for everyday clutter, like a basket for shoes or a bowl for keys. This way, items are easily corralled, and cleaning up takes just a few minutes. Also, turning on a nice diffuser or lighting up a candle can make your home feel cozy and inviting.

8. Enjoy the Moment

Finally, the best part of any holiday season is spending it with loved ones and creating lasting memories. Don’t let your to-do list or expectations steal that joy. Enjoy the little moments, embrace imperfections, and remember that the most meaningful holidays are about connection, not perfection.

Tip: Take photos of your favorite moments throughout the season. Looking back at these happy memories can be a beautiful reminder of the things that truly matter.

This holiday season, try a little less hustle and a lot more heart. By keeping things simple, planning ahead, and making space for yourself and loved ones, you’ll find that the holidays become a time of celebration, not stress. Here’s to a happy holiday season!