Simplify Your Holiday Season - Relationships, Gifts, Decor & More

I’ve been talking about simplifying the holiday season over here since the beginning of November. Yes, I’m that girl. I start the celebrating early and I have no apologies for that.

But, at this point, we’re nearly a week away from Christmas, so I think it’s safe to say we’re either a little panicked (weird family dynamics and last minute gift shopping to come soon) or relaxed, ready, and even feeling festive. Maybe you’re somewhere in between.

I have to admit that I’m personally in that in between space. I feel good about the week to come & I know I’ll be planning to enjoy all the festive things, but I’m still a little behind on gifts.

Regardless of how you’re feeling, as we do get closer to Christmas, I wanted to share some episodes that will help you feel a little more intentional and maybe even a little less stressed this season.

Not only do I hope these episodes will help you release the rushed feeling of this last week or two of the season, but I hope they’ll help you feel a little festive, too!

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4 Episodes to Help you Simplify the Holidays

Episode 59: a pre holiday decluttering challenge + how to simplify your holiday season.

Episode 56: Minimalism & the holidays Q&A (gifts, decor, relationships, boundaries & more)

Episode 54: Minimalism, relationships & gifts (not holiday specific, but surely applies!)

Episode 13: Your Intentional Holiday Gift Guide (actual gift ideas)

Head to itunes to scroll through and listen (or your favorite podcast app) - just search Minimal-ish or just click the link to the episode of interest above!

Not a podcast person? Well, I sincerely hope you change your mind….but I’m here for you anyways! Here are a few ways to simplify the holidays (mentioned in episode 59)

  1. Get rid of the movie-picture-perfect image of this season in your head.
    Lower your expectations, of yourself and of others. Lower your expectations of this season in general. You don’t have to stretch yourself thin to make this season magical. Simply focus in on experiencing togetherness and the things that matter most to you and your family in this season.

  2. Say no & take a stand on others expectations of you.
    Of course, say yes to the things you want to do or feel called to do- helping others, upholding certain traditions, going to family parties you love. But take a stand on the expectations saying you need to get to three different parties in one night with three toddlers. Or that you have to go to that family party that will cause anxiety and disruption of peace in this season.

  3. Visualize what actually matters in this season.
    What things do you love what brings you joy - what are the big things, what are the simple joys? Strip down your image of this season to the bones- what actually matters- what is most important to you this season? Focus on that.  

  4. Those things that actually matter? schedule them in.     

  5. Get intentional with your gift giving - plan it out and say no where needed
    It might be a little late in the season for this reminder, but you’re allowed to opt out of gift exchanges. No, it doesn’t matter what people think about it, really. It matters that you aren’t spreading your finances thin to “fit in” to others expectations of what the holidays should like.

It’s certainly not about only thinking of yourself this season- but rather about what would bring the most peace and meaning for the people closest to you- and that includes you.

Again, episode 59 has more on this, and a similar theme weaves throughout the episodes linked above.

I hope this season brings meaning and a focus on what matters for you and your family, friend.

Desirae Endres