Hello!

15 Comments

It’s a couple of months till the silly season hits.

And I know already you are probably dreading the added workload, inflated expectations and budget blowouts that are likely to happen. I know what you are thinking ‘another blog about all the ways to get prepared for a perfect Christmas!’

I could give you a step by step plan with ideas on how to manage it all – from planning meals, gift and your schedule. But, instead I want to ask:

“What is your perfect Christmas? What does it mean to you?”

Really have a think about it, what do you want? Instead of Christmas adding to your to do list, how about you take things off? Let’s declutter your to-dos.

Do you need to go to that work or class party?

I know a free glass of champagne is enticing and seeing your friends can be fun but is feeling overstretched worth attending every event you’re invited to?

Is it essential for you to see all the family on Christmas Day?

Maybe negotiate with your family to spread events over a period of a month or two. Are you always the one to host? Do you always have to drive the furthest? Maybe this year is the year that you put you and your family’s needs first.

Is gift giving essential?

Maybe agree that the kids have enough toys, the parents have enough knick knacks cluttering the space and pool a portion of your budgeted funds to buy a great group gift like a theatre or sporting experience, a mini vacation or sponsoring a child for a year.

Is providing a full Jamie Oliver menu necessary?

Sometimes keeping the menu simple, having just a few favourites makes the hero ham or turkey sing. I’m a firm believer in sharing the load, don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring a side. Many hands make light work.

Christmas should be a time for family, friends, celebrating your beliefs and enjoying the holiday season. Like any clutter in your life, if it causes you stress or anxiety declutter the excess so you can enjoy the beauty.

So before the big day overwhelms you, write a plan, then edit it!

Set limits in your diary before the invitations roll in – block out what time you can afford to use for social activities, shopping, cooking, decorating and more.

Have a fabulous Christmas and live life with the #divaeffect :)

What will you be decluttering this Christmas? Share with us below.

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.
  • Oh yes, I definitely put us before the broader family.

    Reply

  • oh I like these ideas – especially blocking out time in my diary!

    thank you for sharing your advice with us – off to workout how I can personally destress about the big day!

    Reply

  • Very good tips. Now I must make a plan to remember them.

    Reply

  • Oh yes I sure do declutter with Xmas and wait with confirming invitations until I’m sure how I feel about going. We don’t have family living here so that makes one point easier.

    Reply

  • I agree with the decluttering statement. Christmas should be a time of enjoyment, not stress.

    Reply

  • We keep the Christas stockings small, and the meal simple.

    Reply

  • Naturally the youngsters like to receive a present but it doesn’t have to be too expensive. I know one family who are struggling. The children sometimes get given pencils etc. that they need for school in the new year as part of their presents. As kids we didn’t have big stockings. They were small ones which usually had knickers, singlets, socks etc and perhaps a few lollies as a treat in them. Apart from something we had asked for we often received new clothes to replace what we were close to growing out of. I know that we both got tricycles, then bicycles when we were big enough to learn to ride them safely. These days we are finding our children think “money grows on trees” and ask for so many things they would never play with or use. Yes, most older people often have everything they need. We often have to give subtle hints in trying to work out something they may need, even if it’s clothing of some type. Or you can make up a goodie box of groceries and treats you know they like but wouldn’t buy for themselves. We can fit more in a box than in a basket. I personally am happy with an annual family photo. I am still deciding our best options for meeting up with immediate family and relatives this year. Some have to work over Christmas. One part of the family follow their ancestory tradition and meet Christmas Eve, some live long distance and we travel to see them on Boxing Day. It isn’t easy pleasing everybody aty busy times of year. Quality time is what we all desire, not slaving away in the kitchen preparing so much food it isn’t eaten, getting overtired and not enjoying the day as much as we should.

    Reply

  • I will surely put less emphasis on food. Instead of spending a lot of time in the kitchen, I’d prefer to use the time playing games with my family, going out, watching movies.
    Christmas rotates too much around food. And the extra-weight at the end of the season is not always welcome! ;-)

    Reply

  • I like the declutter the toys and use the money to put towards a holiday or something as a xmas present but kids stil like to receive something to play/read or wear on xmas day.

    Reply

  • We keep Christmas simple and focused.

    Reply

  • Great tips for the party season, it’s definitely the jolly and busy season. All tips are well received at the moment!

    Reply

  • I’m not sure that this is really describing a diva. MOre someone very detail oriented.


    • Well my biz is called Decluttering Diva, hence the diva reference. Appreciate the feedback though.

    Reply

  • A good article and l agree with seeing family and to spread the visits!

    Reply

Post a comment
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your comment and join MoM:

You May Like

Loading…

Looks like this may be blocked by your browser or content filtering.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join