9 Christmas Traditions to Simplify or Skip to Have More Joy
As the holiday season draws near, are you in a panic doing everything to provide a perfect Christmas this year? You have good intentions to make this Christmas extra special, but you're worn out from the overwhelm -
feeling pressured to do more, trying to fit everything in, or exceeding every expectation.
Take a deep breath, sip on chai tea with a splash of egg nog (non-alcoholic), and listen to this gentle reminder.
It's okay to slow down and do less. Christmas is not a checklist of tasks to complete; it's a season to cherish the birth of our Saviour and a moment to connect with what truly matters in our hearts and homes. You don’t have to do it all.
Ask yourself these questions to dig deep and get to the root of your priorities during this season. Invite your husband and kids to answer (you might be surprised by their answers.)
What do you value most during Christmas?
What fills your heart with joy this holiday season?
If you could do only three meaningful activities to embrace the true spirit of Christmas, what would you choose to do?
What Christmas traditions feel more like a burden than a blessing?
You have permission to choose peace over pressure, Beautiful-Hearted Friend. You are allowed to create new treasured traditions that align with what truly matters to you, your family, and the season you're in today.
The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, but it can also bring feelings of overwhelm. You are not alone in feeling this way. I've been where you are trying to create a perfect Christmas for my family, but over the years, I've learned that it's perfectly okay to simplify how we celebrate it.
Here are 9 Christmas traditions that might contribute to you feeling overwhelmed. (Remember, you have permission to choose what brings you peace and let go of what doesn't.)
1. Elf on the Shelf:
It may be fun for the kids, but if crafting creative crazy scenarios each night feels exhausting. Remember, it's okay to simplify the antics or don't give in to the social pressure and skip it.
2. Holiday Baking:
Baking batches of cookies and treats for friends and family is sweet, but it takes time and energy. Choose 1-2 favourites, host a cookie swap to share the load, or buy a gingerbread house to decorate instead.
3. Decorating:
Transforming your home can bring happiness, but it can also feel like a hassle if your goal is to have a Hallmark channel-worthy home. Let your decorations reflect your family's story with a small, curated selection of meaningful ornaments and cherished decorations.
4. Family Gatherings:
Reuniting with loved ones is heartwarming. However, it can be hectic (especially if you have to travel). If visiting family is more of a headache, you don't have to attend. If you're planning on visiting, have clear boundaries in place and ensure you have time to recharge after the reunion.
5. Christmas Cards:
Sending holiday greetings spreads cheer; however, writing letters and cards or getting professional holiday photos is not necessary. Choose less stressful options that fit your personality, like digital greetings (optional with a photo from your phone), or choose to forgo this formality altogether.
6. Attending Multiple Events:
Attending holiday parties and events can bring cheer, but it can also clutter up your calendar (and quickly be exhausting.) Prioritize the ones that matter most to you and allow yourself to decline others so you can fully enjoy each one and rest in between.
7. Advent Calendars:
Counting down to Christmas with daily surprises adds excitement, but rather than purchasing expensive advent calendars filled with special treats or toys, consider buying less costly ones. Or you could choose advent devotionals or activities that focus on the events leading up to Jesus's birth. (Remember, advent is optional; there are many beautiful ways to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.)
My kids are really enjoying these advent devotionals from Heidi Lee Anderson. The Case of The Unknown Messiah is only 12 days (intended to be flexible, either every other day or allowing you to pick and choose which 12 days work best leading up to December 25!), easy setup, no materials needed, and has kept my kids busy for 15-30 mins.
*I'm not an affiliate, not getting paid, just sharing what has been working for our family.
8. Hosting Christmas Dinner:
Preparing a feast for family and friends is wonderful, but if you're worn out from cooking and baking all day, there are many ways to lighten your load. It's okay to keep the menu simple, buy pre-cut or ready-to-cook/baked items where possible, or ask others to bring a side dish, salad, or dessert. Or perhaps this year, someone else would love the opportunity to host a Christmas dinner.
9. Visiting Santa:
Taking the kids to see Santa is a time and true tradition; however, waiting in line for photos can be tiresome. Consider going during off-peak times, opting for a less crowded experience, or you can skip this tradition completely.
(I know I said 9, but I realized I would leave an important one behind.)
10. Overspending:
Buying all the things to make Christmas magical can be fun, but not the overwhelming financial cost. Creating a plan with a budget for how much you spend on gifts, treats, activities, and other Christmas costs can be freeing (with no unexpected surprises afterward). Keeping Christmas simple is good for the soul and for your bank account. Consider using a free budget app like this one for your gifts. Christmas Gift List Tracker I've been using this since last Christmas, and it helps keep every dollar accountable, and I'm more intentional about how I spend my money.
So, if the matching family pajamas or figuring out how to stuff those stockings are causing more pain than what they're worth, please know that you are allowed to let them go and choose what reflects your true values. Your kids are not going to remember the stuff or what you did, but the environment you created. Give them the gift of you being fully present (not being overwhelmed and stressed), with a home filled with joy and peace. If doing certain traditions is too overwhelming, then it's okay to let them go for now. Test it out and see how much of a difference it makes in your heart and home.
My Christmas wish is for you to break free from the cycle of overwhelm, worn out, and failure - letting those weights drift away like snowflakes in the calm wind.
May your days be filled with joy, grace, and ease in the simple but meaningful moments of love and laughter with your family and friends. I pray that the wonder and awe Christ Jesus brought us on that first Christmas night fills your heart and home.
Wishing you a merry Christmas wrapped in peace and a happy New Year filled with hope.
Blessings and Joy,
PS: Are you ready to take small intentional steps with big results to help you overcome feelings of overwhelm, worn-out and failure? Click on the link to receive my FREE mini-guide. This is the year to break the cycle!
