15 years ago I remember sneaking a piece of Halloween candy in the laundry room while hiding from my kids. Why? Because I was overwhelmed, knee-deep in holiday planning—coordinating schedules, brainstorming gift ideas, and prepping Pinterest-worthy plans that would “make the season magical.” Except, instead of feeling magical, I felt… exhausted.
Does this sound familiar? We parents want to create magical memories, but somewhere along the way, the joy of the season gets buried under a mountain of expectations. Who set those expectations anyway and why are we listening to them?! If your holiday to-do list is starting to feel like a job description for a CEO of the North Pole, it’s time to take a breath. Here are eight things we can simplify this holiday season to keep the joy—and maybe even reclaim a little sanity along the way.
1. Say No Without Guilt (Rest Is Festive Too!)
Holiday events are everywhere, and the invites pile up faster than glitter in a preschool craft room. It’s okay to say no. Skip the gatherings that feel like obligations and focus on the ones that genuinely bring you joy. Some of the best holiday memories are made in your PJs, with a cup of cocoa, and zero obligations.
2. Re-Gifting Is Resourceful, Not Tacky
That beautiful candle set you received but don’t need? Or the unopened wine bottle gathering dust in your pantry? Re-gifting is not wasteful—it’s smart. Thoughtfully passing along something you already have saves money, reduces waste, and might be the perfect gift for someone else.
3. Store-Bought Is Fine, Really
Whether it’s pie, cookies, or the centerpiece for your holiday table, not everything has to be homemade. A delicious store-bought dessert or a ready-made appetizer can save hours of stress. Your family won’t remember whether the crust was homemade or not—they’ll remember the laughter around the table.
4. Declutter the Toys and Simplify the Gift List
Before the holiday toy avalanche buries your living room and your holiday spirit, take a moment to reassess. Do your kids really need more stuff, or do they just need the space to enjoy what they a few intentional things? Take an afternoon to declutter the toys—donate what’s no longer used or loved, and make room for the things that truly matter.
When it comes to gifts, simplify the list and set clear expectations with family. Let them know it’s about quality, not quantity, and encourage experiences or practical gifts over mountains of toys.
5. One Meaningful Gift Beats Ten Random Ones
The pressure to find all the gifts for all the people is real, but it’s okay to keep it simple. Choose one thoughtful, meaningful gift instead of several filler items. A heartfelt handwritten note or a consumable gift can often mean more than an entire shopping cart of last-minute finds.
6. Decorate with What You Have
Every year, social media tempts us with shiny new trends in holiday decor. But your kids aren’t going to remember the color-coordinated wreath; they’re going to remember the ornaments they made in kindergarten or the slightly wonky hand-me-down nativity scene. Nostalgia never goes out of style—use what you love and let it tell your family’s story.
7. Ask for Help (Potlucks = Stress Relief)
Hosting doesn’t have to mean doing it all yourself. A potluck-style gathering or assigning specific dishes to family and friends can take a huge weight off your shoulders. Let others contribute—it makes the meal more diverse and the day more enjoyable.
8. Let Go of Perfection
The cookies don’t have to be perfectly iced. The tree doesn’t have to look like it belongs in a magazine. And the photos don’t have to be Instagram-worthy. What matters most are the connections you make and the moments you share.
This holiday season, let’s embrace simplicity and remind ourselves that we don’t have to carry the world—or Christmas—on our shoulders. Take one thing off your plate, make one less trip to the store, or say “no” to one more event. The magic of the holidays isn’t in the perfect table setting or the number of gifts under the tree—it’s in the love, laughter, and moments of connection we share.
So, mama, which of these will you simplify this year? Let me know—I’ll be cheering you on (probably in my old t-shirt, not matching pajamas). Happy holidays! 🎄