How’s your Christmas prep going? So far, I’ve had those difficult chats with family where I reiterate that I’m keeping things simple and my budget low.  They’re pretty used to how I do things now but I still like to set expectations.

It’s taken me years to find my version of Christmas – It’s inspired by Scandinavia as I am from Norway, and it’s slow & simple, super cosy where ‘Hygge‘ is the main focus.

In this post, I want to share small & simple ways to enjoy the festive season. I’ve designed this as a well of inspiration for you to pick and choose which ones appeal to you or fit with your lifestyle. You’ll know the ones which jump out at you and which ones don’t. Go with your gut and be brave where you can. This list may even inspire something completely different, which is great.

Simplifying anything isn’t easy and it always requires some trial and error. These are examples of baby steps you can take. Try just one, try them all – each baby step soon adds up.

Let’s get started…

1. Focus on what is important
2. Give money instead of gifts
3. Say no to the office party
4. Make lists
5. Set a budget and stick to it
6. Implement a ‘no credit card this Christmas’ rule
7. When it Comes to Decor, Less is More
8. Invest in Decorations You Can Repurpose
9. Share out tasks so you’re not doing everything
10. Suggest a secret Santa so you’ve got less to buy
11. Give Christmas cards a miss (I’ve been doing this for the last 2-3 years)
12. Try one meaningful gift per person
13. Declutter Before Christmas
14. Serve just one fail-safe dessert instead of ten different options
15. Schedule some time for yourself (even if it’s just a long DO NOT DISTURB bath)
16. Go for a fairy light only look for your tree
17. Don’t have a tree at all
18. Give the outside lights a miss this year
19. Simplify Christmas Dinner
20. Simplify Holiday Traditions
21. Release the Traditions that Don’t Bring Us Joy
22. Plan A Perfect Holiday Date
23. Simplify Holiday Travel
24. Use Video Conferencing
25. Don’t buy presents for extended family
26. Buy a present per extended family instead of per member of that family
27. Schedule the must-dos first and then see what you’ve got time left for
28. Do all your shopping online
29. Drop the ‘best Christmas ever’ mindset and make ‘good enough’ your mantra
30. Schedule a phone night in, complete with your drink and snacks of choice instead of travelling to see a friend in person
31. Allow yourself to break tradition if it doesn’t fit your diary or budget this year
32. DIY Your Gifts

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