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