How to Simplify and De-Stress Your Holiday Season

From gifting to social gatherings

Friends! We are officially in the season of busy, and everyone I know is feeling it. I’m feeling it, too—big time. Between launching my book, holiday planning, travel, and managing cold and flu season with the kids, it’s A LOT. Here are my top tips for de-stressing your holiday season, complete with actionable ideas to get you started. Also - I shared a roundup of fun holiday tips live on Good Morning America (!) with the very tall and lovely Michael Strahan. Watch it here.

1. Curate Your Connection Cadence

Decide how often you want to commit to social plans, parties, hosting, and events. Here’s the secret: We’re adults! It’s all optional! Hooray! You truly don’t have to attend every gathering or say yes to every invitation. Take control of your calendar, and remember, you’re the one who makes the rules.

Try It:

• Audit Your Calendar: Look at the weeks ahead, and decide how many social events feel doable. Be realistic about what will energize you versus what will deplete you.

• Set a Rule: For example, “one event per weekend” or “two dinners with friends this month” or “will be in bed for the foreseeable future.”

• Communicate Early: Let your family and friends know your plans well in advance so they won’t be shocked if (when) you opt out of aunt Helen’s annual gingerbread-making contest this year.

2. Simplify Gifting

A few years ago, Jordan and I decided to rethink the pressure of holiday gift-giving. Instead of succumbing to external pressures, we focus on what feels more aligned with our values: meaningful, intentional gifts. For us, that means giving our kids a few thoughtful presents, participating in a family white elephant exchange, and gifting cards and cash to the people who make our lives better every day (teachers, mail carriers, etc.). We’ve even opted out of giving gifts to each other, redirecting those funds toward experiences like travel or hosting a small holiday party.

Try It:

• Rethink Traditions: Could you shift to experiential gifts? Consider gifting someone a shared experience like a movie night, concert tickets, or a home-cooked dinner.

• Set Boundaries: Have an honest conversation with family or friends about scaling back. Suggest alternatives like a Secret Santa gift exchange or charitable donations instead.

• Plan Early: Make a list of who you’re gifting, set a budget, and stick to it. This avoids last-minute panic shopping.

3. Simplify Gift Wrap

Gift wrap can quickly turn into a time-consuming and wasteful ordeal. Here’s how to keep it simple and sustainable this year.

Try It:

• Choose Minimalist Materials: Brown kraft paper and twine or cloth ribbon are chic, affordable, and recyclable. Bonus: You can use the same materials for every occasion.

• Use What You Have: Dig through your stash of paper bags, ribbons, or even scarves (hello, Furoshiki wrapping!).

• Use Natural Elements: No need for plastic tassel, ribbon, and gift toppers that will clog our landfills and pollute our oceans - embellish your gifts with natural, biodegradable elements like cinnamon sticks, a sprig of rosemary, or a clipping from your garden. Chic, eco-friendly, and smells amazing!

  

  Wine from Sophie James; Gift wrap from my book launch event at Erica Tanov

4. Simplify Holiday Cards

Holiday cards are lovely but can also feel overwhelming (and they give people more paper to figure out what to do with) which is why I haven’t sent one for years. Give yourself permission to edit your list down or opt out of this ritual altogether.

Try It:

• Go Digital: A thoughtful e-card or email can feel just as personal and saves trees, money and time.

• Pare Down Your List: Only send cards to people who truly value them.

• Skip the Cards: Replace them with a phone call or a heartfelt New Year’s message, or skip them altogether.

5. Simplify Hosting

When it comes to hosting, forget the pressure to channel your inner Martha Stewart—because honestly, no one remembers the color of your napkins. What they will remember is the vibe, the food they actually wanted to eat, and how much fun they had. Let’s keep it simple, satisfying, and totally stress-free.

1. Serve a Big, Beautiful Platter of Something
   Think: roasted vegetables piled high with fresh herbs or a perfectly charred roast chicken. It’s low effort but looks like you really tried. Let people graze and feel fancy without stressing about a formal sit-down meal.

2. Embrace the “Snack Dinner” Party
   Instead of cooking, a spread consisting of dips, olives, cheese, charcuterie, crudités, crusty bread, and good butter can do feel substantial and is effortlessly chic. Bonus: Everything can be bought, no cooking required, and it’s just as satisfying as a four-course dinner.

3. Delegate Like a Boss
   Your best friend loves making cocktails? Let them handle the drinks. Your cousin can’t come to a party without a dessert in tow? Put them on dessert duty. Hosting doesn’t mean doing everything yourself—it’s about orchestrating the right mix of contributions.

Final Thought: Simplify Your Mindset

The holidays are meant for connection and a little chaos, not perfection. Nobody’s grading your table settings or counting how many side dishes you made. Skip the stress, keep it simple, and make the season yours.

What’s one thing you’ll simplify this year? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!

New Podcasts: came back on the Minimalist Moms podcast to talk about transforming your life through intentional living. Listen here.

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Dacy Gillespie

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