10 Outside-the-Box Simple Christmas Ideas

For me, Christmas means music, candles, the Christmas Eve service at church, and time with family playing board games or watching the old black and white Miracle on 34th Street.  For you, Christmas might mean your annual ski trip, dressing up to attend the Nutcracker ballet, eating cookies and drinking eggnog, or hanging Christmas lights and decorating the tree. 

You want to create the memories and carry on the traditions that mean most to you, but you don't want to feel stressed or anxious while you do it.  This time of year is meant to be joyful, not pressured.  So how can you make things simpler, but keep what matters?

10 ideas for a relaxed and cozy holiday

1.  Begin with deciding what Christmas means to you.

Give yourself a focus, and everything will be simpler.  Other things can go by the wayside as long as you accomplish what matters most to you.

2.  Choose a mantra.

Make your holiday about one main idea, and remind yourself of it frequently.  This helps you keep your priorities front and center.  Possibilities include:

• Jesus is the reason.
• People matter most.
• Perfection isn't necessary.
• Christmas doesn't come from a store.
• Add some light to a dark world.
• Your presence is the best present.

3.  Protect your schedule.

Reduce overwhelm by being a little less busy.  Decide on your "must-dos," and say no to everything else.  Remember, it's okay to say no to avoid burnout, preserve family time, and leave room for spontaneity and serendipity.

Related article:  How to Say No to Reclaim Your Time and Purpose

4.  Declutter.

Before getting out holiday décor, and definitely before buying gifts or anything else, remove the excess.  This is the perfect time of year to reduce in ten areas:

• wall art and/or knickknacks
• unused toiletries
• old towels and linens
• clothes that don't fit or haven't been worn
• surplus outerwear (including hats, gloves, scarves)
• old tech
• extraneous CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, games
• junk drawers
• toys
• kitchen utensils, underused appliances, orphan storage containers/lids, mugs/water bottles

Challenge yourself to remove 3-10 things from each category.

5.  Limit stressful situations.

The holidays can be hectic, but there's usually a way to accomplish what you want to do in a less stressful manner.  For example, avoid overcrowded stores by going early in the day, patronizing small businesses, or shopping online.  Or avoid those long holiday dinners by suggesting a get-together for happy hour or dessert and coffee instead.  If you must attend a gathering that's not your choice (an office party, for example), decide on a time limit beforehand, and stick to it.

6.  Practice patience.

Patience is a virtue, but it's hard to come by if you give yourself a long to-do list.  Lines, traffic, and overworked staff can test the patience of a saint, but pushiness and meltdowns will ruin your holiday faster than almost anything else.  Allow yourself enough time, plus a little margin, to accomplish tasks, and remember that others around you are fellow humans, not obstacles in your path.

7.  Don't feel pressure to bake or cook.

I'm not a great cook, and I don't really enjoy it.  It makes sense to respect yourself and what you feel able and willing to do.  If you love preparing special foods and treats, indulge yourself and have a great time.  But if you're like me, keep menus simpler, and don't hesitate to turn to no-cook options such as a charcuterie board, or a box of beautiful chocolates in place of baked goodies.

Prep as much as you can beforehand so you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen, missing out on fun and togetherness.  An egg casserole and muffins you baked yesterday will be just as nice for Christmas breakfast as individually prepared omelets and waffles that have to be made in small batches.  And the first option allows you to sit and eat with everyone else.

8.  Simplify decorating.

Decorate as much or as little as you desire, not in order to meet some magazine ideal or to impress anyone.  If it's your joy to go all out, do so.  But if clutter makes you feel claustrophobic, go for a simpler look that still honors the season.

Choose one or more of these areas to decorate:

• mantel – This is a great place to display your favorite Christmas-themed collection, family photos from holidays past, or a garland of greenery and multiple while candles.  You could also hang or prop Christmas art on the wall above, and use Command hooks for stockings.

• dining table – Use a table runner, and display a vase full of branches (spray painted or not) and evergreens.  Add a few candles or some fairy lights for a festive glow.

• front door – A wreath, a holiday-themed doormat, a pair of poinsettias, or even just some white lights will make this area cheerful and welcoming.

• family/living room – This is often where memories are made – conversations, movie nights, and gift-opening.  You may opt for a full-size tree or a tabletop model.  Consider covering your usual toss pillows with red or green cushion covers, and add a cozy quilted lap blanket on the sofa.

• kids' rooms – Kids love the holidays, so why not jazz up their rooms a bit?  Substitute Christmas-print sheets on their beds, and add a basket with holiday books from the library or elsewhere.

• bathroom – Everyone ends up here eventually, lol.  Why not add holiday hand towels and a winter-scented candle?

* This blog is reader-supported.  If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission.

9.  Compromise on traditions.

Perhaps you grew up having breakfast before opening presents, but your spouse's family started opening gifts before the sun rose.  There's no right or wrong about this, but you won't be able to satisfy both traditions.  This is not worth an argument!  Find a compromise, take turns, or create an entirely new tradition.

10.  Don't forget self-care.

We can put so much emphasis on doing for others that we neglect our own well-being.  What are you skimping on?  Sleep, grooming, healthy eating, alone time, or something else?  Be sure to think about your own needs.  You'll have a more positive outlook and more energy to give to others, too.

Above all, simply be.  Take a walk without electronics and pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, and feel.  Sip on your favorite drink by the fire.  Read a book you've been wanting to have time for.  Watch Elf with your kids or grandkids, and sing some Christmas carols loud for all to hear.

We've turned this into the busiest, most stressful time of the year, but I don't believe that was ever the way it was supposed to be.  So slow down, take it easier, and make some happy, simple memories.

If you like my work, please buy me a coffee.  Thanks!