Christmas, ah! This is arguably one of the most wonderful times of the year when people celebrate love, hope, joy, togetherness, good food, beautiful surroundings, lovely fairy lights, and...complete chaos. Yes, you read it right.
Christmas often starts messing with ornaments, gift wrapping, and to-dos that make it difficult to recall your name. If not well handled, it becomes one of the most stressful and messy times of the year.
But don't worry! Our holiday preparations contain all the essential 12 tips and tricks and will help to create an inspiring, joyful, and all the same uncluttered Christmas.
But before we start, to create a lasting memory for your loved one, view our trending personalized Christmas gifts this year.
1. Start Early With Planning
One of the worst mistakes people make is to wait until the very last moment to do things. When Christmas becomes a hurried affair, this gets translated to chaos, and the chaotic outcome is stress.
Most certainly, the plan should begin as early as November or even in October. Make a list of what should be done during this period, beginning with the purchase of gifts and decoration of the house. So it will be less likely that you panic and overbuy closer to the actual holiday season.
- Decorating: Choose your theme, and go through any leftover decorations in order to see what you will require.
- Gifts: Initiate a gift list and also set a timeline that you will use when buying and wrapping your gifts.
- Cleaning: A calendar should be created for deep cleaning sessions in different parts of the house in the pre-Christmas weeks.
- Meal Planning: With the completion of the first week, decide on menus that you will be preparing, especially with families and friends in mind.
Ready to plan? See our best Christmas planner timeline
2. Creating A Budget
Who wants to open their holiday stockings to discover a lump of coal instead of a credit card bill?
Neither you nor me, and most likely not either. Budgeting over the holidays is similar to preparing a delicious meal; it takes some time and planning to ensure that you can participate in the celebrations without experiencing financial regrets in the future.
3. Declutter Before You Decorate
Nothing kills Christmas cheer faster than trying to decorate a cluttered house. Before you even think about putting up the tree, take some time to declutter.
Go room by room and remove items you no longer use or need. This will create more space for your Christmas décor and make your home feel more peaceful.
- Living Room: This is likely where your Christmas tree will go. Clear away unnecessary furniture or knick-knacks to make room for festive decorations.
- Kitchen: Since this is the hub of holiday cooking, decluttering your countertops and organizing your pantry will make Christmas meal prep easier.
- Hallways and Entrances: First impressions matter. Clean and tidy up entryways to ensure they’re welcoming and festive without being crowded.
4. Create A Christmas Decoration Storage System
After years of collecting ornaments, lights, and garlands, it’s easy for Christmas decorations to pile up. This can lead to chaos when it comes time to decorate. A smart storage system can help you keep track of everything and make decorating much smoother.
- Ornaments: Store ornaments in dedicated boxes with individual compartments to prevent breakage.
- Lights: Wrap Christmas lights around a cardboard or plastic reel to avoid tangles.
- Garlands and Wreaths: Use garment bags or long plastic containers to store garlands and wreaths without them getting crushed.
- Label Everything: Clearly label each box, so you know exactly where everything is when it’s time to decorate next year.
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5. Simplify Your Decorations
It’s easy to go overboard with Christmas decorations, but less is often more. A well-thought-out, simple decoration scheme can be just as beautiful as a house overflowing with lights and ornaments.
Choose two or three colors to base your decorations around, whether it’s traditional red and green, silver and gold, or a modern twist like blue and white. A cohesive color scheme will make your home feel more organized and stylish.
Try using decorations that can be repurposed throughout the year. For example, string lights can be used not only for Christmas but also to add warmth to your home throughout winter. Neutral wreaths made of greenery can also last beyond the holidays with a few simple tweaks.
Get ideas for your Christmas decor! Read our blog: Top 6 Secret DIY Decorations to Create a Cozy Christmas Vibe
6. Plan Your Christmas Meals in Advance
Meal preparation can be one of the most stressful parts of Christmas, especially if you’re hosting a large gathering. Planning your meals ahead of time can alleviate some of that pressure and help you stay organized in the kitchen.
Write down the meals you plan to serve throughout the Christmas season, from Christmas Eve dinner to breakfast on Christmas morning. Make a shopping list based on your menus and buy non-perishable ingredients ahead of time to avoid last-minute shopping trips.
Prepare as much as you can ahead of time. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and even bake desserts in advance and freeze them if possible. Having some dishes ready to go will make your Christmas Day much more relaxed.
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7. Create A Cleaning Schedule
Christmas often means guests coming and going, which can lead to your home quickly becoming untidy. Instead of letting the mess build up and then tackling it all at once, create a daily cleaning routine that keeps your space tidy throughout the season.
- Living Room: This is where most gatherings will happen, so make sure it’s clean and inviting. Vacuum the carpets and dust the surfaces regularly.
- Kitchen: Since the kitchen is where holiday meals are prepared, keeping it clean is crucial. Wipe down counters daily and empty the dishwasher to prevent piles of dishes.
- Bathroom: Ensure that guest bathrooms are always clean and stocked with essentials like towels and soap. A quick daily wipe-down of surfaces can make a big difference.
Get the whole family involved by assigning specific cleaning tasks to each member. Children can help with tidying up toys or clearing the table, while older family members can assist with vacuuming or bathroom cleaning.
8. Simplify Your Gift List
Gift-giving is a wonderful part of Christmas, but it can also become overwhelming if your list gets too long. Simplifying your gift list can help you save time, money, and reduce stress.
Establish a budget for gifts and stick to it. This will prevent overspending and help you make more thoughtful, meaningful purchases.
Instead of buying more material items that may add to household clutter, consider giving experience-based gifts. Concert tickets, a day at a spa, or a subscription service can make memorable, clutter-free presents.
Check out: The Story Of Christmas Engraved Wooden Notebook
9. Organize Your Christmas Cards
Christmas cards are a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer, but they can quickly pile up, adding to the clutter. Create a system for managing both the cards you send and the ones you receive.
Sending Cards
- Keep a List: Maintain an updated list of friends and family to whom you plan to send cards. Check off names as you send them to avoid duplicates.
- Set a Deadline: Aim to have all your cards written and sent by mid-December. This gives plenty of time for delivery without feeling rushed.
Don't know what to write? Find ideas on our blog: 150+ Best Christmas Wishes to Write For Your Loved Ones.
Receiving Cards
- Display Thoughtfully: Instead of letting cards pile up on counters, create a designated display area such as a card garland or a bulletin board.
- Declutter Post-Christmas: Once the holiday season is over, recycle cards you don’t wish to keep, and store the ones that hold sentimental value in a memory box.
10. Manage Gift Wrapping Efficiently
Gift wrapping can turn into a chaotic mess with scraps of paper, ribbons, and gift tags scattered everywhere. Having a designated space for wrapping gifts and keeping supplies organized will save time and reduce clutter.
Create a small area in your home dedicated to gift wrapping. This could be a desk, a section of the dining table, or even a space in a spare bedroom. Keep all your wrapping supplies—paper, scissors, ribbons, and tape—in one place. Use baskets or bins to keep everything tidy and within reach.
Instead of buying tons of different wrapping paper, choose one or two neutral colors, such as brown kraft paper or white wrapping paper, and dress them up with colorful ribbons, tags, or greenery like sprigs of pine or holly.
Need inspiration for Christmas gift wrapping? Check out 10+ Trendy Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas To Sleigh the Holidays.
11. Prioritize Self-Care During the Holidays
Amidst all the planning, decorating, and gift-buying, it’s easy to forget about your own well-being. Prioritizing self-care during the busy Christmas season is essential to maintaining a happy and peaceful mindset.
Make time for yourself, whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, a walk outside, or a yoga session. Taking even a few minutes a day to relax will help prevent holiday burnout.
12. Get Enough Rest
With the excitement of Christmas, sleep can often be neglected. However, getting enough rest is crucial for keeping your energy levels high and your mood positive throughout the festivities.
