In this article: Six practical ways to simplify Christmas when you don’t have the time or energy to do it all.
I’ve been enjoying thoughtful new year posts from some favorite bloggers and was about to start writing my own when I realized I hadn’t finished sharing how I simplified the holidays this year. Between working at a jewelry store before Christmas and family commitments, my plans for an elaborate handmade season quietly gave way to much simpler solutions.
I began with good intentions—my “12 Days of Handmade Christmas” series was nearly complete—but life got busy and many posts were only written in my head. What emerged instead was a gentler, more practical approach to the season: choose meaning over perfection and focus on what brings joy rather than ticking every task off a list.
Here are 6 ways to Simplify Christmas
{Christmas Made Simple} The Tree: Get one, string on lights and use decorations you already have
I let go of the dream of a perfectly coordinated, magazine-worthy tree. This year the goal was simply to have a tree up before the kids returned home. My husband found a charming cut-you-own tree in the woods. It had gaps, floppy branches and the kind of character that comes from a tree found outdoors.
I filled it with lightweight decorations—paper garlands, handmade paper feathers and small, light ornaments. To hide a large gap in the center I wired a few doilies and pine cones to the trunk, giving the tree a cozy, homemade look. It didn’t win design awards, but it filled the room with warm lights and delighted the kids, who loved clapping to turn the lights on and off. That simple joy was worth every imperfect branch.
{Christmas Made Simple} The Decor: Add a few Christmas items to what you already have
Instead of taking down fall décor and replacing everything, I layered a few festive pieces into our existing arrangements. A handful of ornaments, a small wreath or a Christmas-themed lantern placed around the house instantly shifted the feel of the rooms—without spending hours redecorating. This approach is fast, low-stress and easy to pack away afterward.
{Christmas Made Simple} The Food: Embrace convenience when you need it
I had hoped to bake an array of treats from scratch, but time constraints made that unrealistic. A few easy shortcuts saved the day: I used my bread machine to prepare Swedish tea rings ahead of time and froze them for Christmas morning. They thawed and baked beautifully and required far less effort than making everything by hand. Relying on a few store-bought items or appliances doesn’t diminish the holiday—it frees you to enjoy it.
In the end, we didn’t miss a house overflowing with sweets. Simple treats from grandparents and a couple of homemade items were all we needed.
{Christmas Made Simple} The Gifts: Shop online and keep it intentional
This year we did most of our shopping online. It was faster, less stressful and helped us stay within budget. Ordering ahead is ideal, but even purchases made a week or so before the holiday arrived on time. Shopping from home also made it easier to find thoughtful gifts without the chaos of crowded malls.
{Christmas Made Simple} The Christmas Meal: Keep the cooking enjoyable, not stressful
Cooking together transformed the holiday meal into a shared experience. With no elaborate prep, my husband and I took our time making turkey and simple sides while listening to festive music. We didn’t overthink table styling; a bouquet gifted a few days before Christmas became an effortless centerpiece that brightened the table and lasted for days.
{Christmas Made Simple} The Family Photo: Capture memories without perfection
Family photos have always been a holiday tradition, but this year we skipped coordinating outfits and professional sessions. We simply stepped outside and took candid pictures while everyone was home together. A remote shutter made it easy to get a few group shots, including some lighthearted moments—like a backyard donkey photo bomb and a playful “let’s pray for dinner” pose that made us laugh. Those imperfect, real photos are the ones we’ll cherish.
This season reminded me that small, meaningful choices matter more than flawless execution. Whether it’s a humble tree, a few well-placed decorations, a simple meal or candid family photos, keeping things simple lets you savor the moments that matter most.
Merry (and very belated) Christmas—may your holidays be calm, joyful, and filled with memory-making moments.