The holidays can be busy and all filled with hauling out the holly and decking the halls. There are years where I have been one Pinterest project away from being completely overwhelmed. This year, when I thought about the holidays “simplify” was the word that came to mind. When Yoanella Blanco of Miss Blanco Joyful Box sent me these tips for simplifying the holidays I had to share!
We love the holidays, who doesn’t? Sometimes our plans can overwhelm our budget because we didn’t prepare. We can get so caught up in the perfect gift or the perfect meal that the magic of the holiday can disappear. The holidays should be more about building memories and sharing quality family time than the money spent on presents or lavish meals. Today, I am sharing tips for holiday gift giving, Christmas meal prep and tips to simplify your holidays
Gift Giving
- Recycle/ Up-cycle toys- Often, kids have so many they don’t even remember, especially the young kids. Go through all of those toys and bring out some of the least played with. Consider trading gently used toys with a friend or donate them to make room for the new toys!
- Don’t wait to the last minute for the best deals- Hopefully, you have already started your Christmas shopping, but if not get moving to give yourself more time to check prices and find more variety.
- Don’t buy everything on the list- Take a look at their Christmas wish list to make sure items on the list are age appropriate. Talk with them about their list and why they want the item to make sure it’s something that will be used.
- Gift experiences instead of things- Movie tickets, a family meal in a themed restaurant, a weekend in a spa with your loved one, a beauty gift card for your sister can provide great memories in place of material gifts.
Holiday Meals
- Skip traditional meals to save time in the kitchen– Why spend all day cooking a 20 pounds of turkey to have 15 pounds of leftovers? Start a new tradition with family favorites like seafood, ribs or a roast.
- Get ahead of the game– prepare as much as possible ahead of the big day, and test out new recipes in advance. Save time by skipping on complicated recipes.
- Plan for new guests– If you have a new family member or friend visiting for the holiday meal find out about any dietary needs in advance. This will give you a chance to prepare something they will enjoy. Make them feel at home!
- Think about the smallest holiday guests– Prepare food that little kids will enjoy instead of expecting them to eat the big holiday meal.
- Scale down your table- Simple is always good. If you enjoy setting an elaborate table, go for it. If you want to cut back on the clean up consider using disposable dinnerware. Look online for unique disposable dinnerware.
Simplify the Holidays
- Don’t do everything yourself. Create a holiday to-do list the whole family can help with. Mom doesn’t have to do it all!
- Create a nap room– Reserve a quiet room for your littlest guests to nap while the family celebrates.
- Before the big day– Dedicate sometime do something together as a family. Even if it’s something as simple as going for a walk, playing a game or enjoying some hot chocolate create a memory for the season, not just Christmas day.
Most importantly, enjoy every single moment you are spending with your loved ones. Remember, the holidays are about the memories not just presents and meals. Keep it simple and enjoy time with your family.
Yoanella is a Spanish/Dominican mother living in Canada. She is a mother of two and a wife to her amazing Portuguese husband. She has lived in the Dominican Republic, Spain, England, the United States and now Canada. After spending 13 years in corporate life, mainly in marketing and communication, in the travel/tourism and fashion industries she jumped into creating her own business four years ago. She recently started a new venture with a new Beauty/Lifestyle box: Miss Blanco Joyful Box. You can find more of her work at Miss Blanco Joyful Box.
Connect with Yoanella at www.missblanco.ca, on Facebook and on Instagram
Corinna @ The Mommy Clause says
Great tips! I especially like the suggestion of a quiet room for young kids to rest in while the celebration continues.
TwoLittleRippers says
She did provide some great tips! Love this idea!