The holidays are almost here, and maybe you’re feeling the pressure to do it all—buy all the gifts, send all the cards, and attend every event. But as a parent, with so much already on your plate, the idea of adding more can feel overwhelming.
What if, instead of doing more, you focused on the things that truly bring joy to you and your family?
You don’t have to exhaust yourself with endless tasks to make the season magical for your kids. Choosing simplicity and connection over chaos can create treasured holiday memories for the whole family. Here are six simple ways to simplify the holidays and find joy in doing less.
Table of Contents
🎁 Fewer Gifts, More Thoughtful Giving
Do you feel like every year your gift list grows longer (especially with kids in the picture), but the joy of giving shrinks? Instead of loading up on toys or random items, choose fewer, more thoughtful gifts. This means less clutter for your home and less stress for you as a parent.
And while you're at it, look at your gift list and ask yourself: Why are some people on it? Random colleagues, extended family, or people you barely see don’t have to be included unless giving to them truly brings you joy. Giving should always be a choice, not an obligation, especially during the holidays.
Action Item for You:
- Write a short list of people who truly matter most. Remove anyone from your gift list who feels like an obligation rather than a joy.
- Focus on gifts that hold meaning for your family, like shared experiences or keepsakes instead of more “stuff.”
- Use this as an opportunity to teach your kids about thoughtful giving and scaling back.
📫 Skipping Holiday Cards
Holiday cards might feel like one more thing on your already-packed to-do list. Do you really need to wrestle your kids into perfect outfits for a staged photo? This year, skip the cards and focus on real connections instead. Your family will appreciate the extra time (and money!) you save.
Action Item for You:
- Send a quick heartfelt email to friends and family or call grandparents for a warm holiday chat—it’s less stressful and more meaningful.
- Let go of the guilt—it’s okay to skip traditions that no longer serve you or your family.
🎀 Minimal Decorating
As parents, dragging out endless boxes of decorations can feel like just one more chore. Simplify by focusing on fewer, meaningful items. Let your kids help choose their favorite decorations and skip the rest—it makes the experience more intentional and fun for the whole family.
Action Item for You:
- Involve your kids by asking them which decorations they love the most. Display those with pride and skip the overwhelming extras.
- Take small steps to declutter your holiday stash and donate unused items.
📆 Selective Scheduling
The holiday calendar fills up fast, especially with kids’ school events, family gatherings, and seasonal activities. Instead of overcommitting, choose events that bring you joy, not dread. Saying no to certain things allows you to be truly present for the moments you say yes to.
Action Item for You:
- Look at your family’s schedule together and prioritize activities everyone enjoys. It’s okay to cut back if it feels like too much.
- Model healthy boundaries by saying “no” to events or plans that don’t feel right—your kids learn from watching you.
🍽️ Simplified Holiday Meals
If hosting or cooking for your family feels stressful, make things easier by simplifying your meals. A potluck dinner or a menu with just a few family favorites can help take the pressure off. Your kids won’t care if there are fewer dishes—they’ll remember the laughter and fun around the table instead of the food.
And more importantly, a simpler menu means you are less stressed. A happy, relaxed parent makes the meal—and the holiday—more enjoyable for everyone.
- Let family or friends contribute to the menu by bringing a dish to share.
- Pick 1-2 festive meals your kids love and skip overcomplicating the food prep.
📢 Setting Clear Boundaries
As parents, holiday pressure often comes from trying to meet everyone else’s expectations (family, friends, and kids). Setting clear boundaries lets you focus on what works best for your family without feeling stretched too thin. It’s okay to say no and do what is right for your household.
Action Item for You:
- Share your family’s holiday plans ahead of time with others. Let them know what you can commit to and what you’re skipping this year.
- Use this as an opportunity to teach your kids about prioritizing family peace and self-care.
Find Joy by Doing Less
This holiday season, the best gift you can give yourself and your family is permission to let go of the things that drain your energy. By simplifying your traditions and focusing on meaningful moments, you’ll create a happier, calmer holiday season for you and your kids.
P.S. Ready for a Parenting Mindset Shift?
Join my Weekly Flips Membership for just $9/month. You’ll get live coaching calls and weekly tools to create a more peaceful home, foster cooperation, and stay grounded during busy seasons—and beyond. Learn more here.
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