Christmas and clutter just seem to go hand-in-hand but it doesn’t need to be that way. In today’s post, I’ve got 10 ways you can enjoy a simpler, clutter-free Christmas. Read on to find out how you can enjoy all the festive fun with none of the stress that comes from dealing with unwanted clutter.
If you’ve been following along with the 52-Week Decluttering Challenge, you’ll know that I’ve been rethinking my relationship with stuff over the last couple of years. After making such great progress during a long year of decluttering, the last thing I want on the other side of our Christmas celebrations is a bunch of new things I need to find a home for.
If you have people on your list who have been decluttering, or if you’re looking for an answer when people ask “what do you want for Christmas”, here are 10 ideas for a simpler, clutter-free Christmas.
10 tips for a clutter-free Christmas
Use the decorations you have (and get rid of ones you don’t use)
I love to decorate the house for Christmas. For most of my life, I couldn’t resist buying something new pretty much every year. The last couple of years, I have resisted the urge to add new decorations to my collection, no matter how beautiful they might be. I’m using the decorations I have and decluttering those that I don’t use.
Give (and ask for) consumable gifts
For me, consumables are the best gifts to give and receive. Who doesn’t love getting chocolate, wine, plants, or a selection of gourmet coffee, tea or hot chocolate? If you’re stuck for ideas, there are lots of consumables in my posts on stocking stuffer ideas for adults, teens, and kids.
Send electronic greetings
Last week, I wrote about my love of Christmas cards. If you’re not a fan of Christmas cards, send electronic greetings instead. I have a Jacquie Lawson subscription. She has beautiful e-cards and many of them are free.
Give experiences
Experience gifts are the best—especially when you give a gift that you can enjoy with the recipient. Think about tickets to a local attraction, or a concert, sporting event or theatre performance. For more ideas, check out This Christmas, give experiences instead of things.
Charitable donations
If someone on your list has a favourite charity, consider making a donation on their behalf. This is a great idea for teacher gifts. And, if you’re looking for a fun activity, consider volunteering at a charitable event with friends or family. It’s a great way to spend time together and get in the Christmas spirit.
Declutter to make room
In the weeks before Christmas, spend time decluttering to make room for the gifts you’ll receive. This is especially helpful if you have kids. I remember dreading the amount of toys my kids would get when they were small. If the items you want to get rid of are in good condition, think about posting them on a local Buy Nothing group or page. It’s a good way to help out someone less fortunate at this time of year.
Institute a “no gift” policy
Let your friends and family know you’d prefer no gifts this year. Suggest they make a charitable donation or buy a gift for a family in need instead, or just plan a fun get-together.
Say no to some invitations
Decluttering also applies to your calendar. After last year’s pandemic Christmas, it will be tempting to go overboard and fill every date on the calendar this year. Remember to schedule some downtime to declutter your mind.
Bake only your favourites
There’s nothing better than home-baked treats but think about scaling back the amount of baking you do. For several years, I’ve stuck to baking only a few favourites: shortbread, pecan puffs and breton brittle. If I feel like I need more, I buy them from a local bakery.
One-in, one-out rule
Finally, if you’re really serious about decluttering, follow the one-in one-out rule. For every new item that comes into your home this Christmas, choose an item to get rid of.
Setting a goal for a clutter-free Christmas is surprisingly freeing. I feel less stressed already!
I hope you find these suggestions helpful. Do you have other ways to avoid clutter at Christmas? Tell me your ideas below.
These are great tips! I usually give consumables or money – they’re winners every time 🙂
Thank you! Yes, consumables are excellent gifts—and you can’t go wrong with money!
This is a great list! I supply gift ideas to my parents and in-laws so that my family isn’t getting random gifts. Also, my husband and I don’t buy for each other. We try to keep the focus on spending time with family and enjoying each others company instead of on stuff.
Thanks Suzanne. I tend to fill our stockings with practical and consumable gifts. Last year, I didn’t get my older daughter socks and she was disappointed because she needed socks. 😂😂😂
Great ideas! I like the one-in one-out rule! I just need to stick to it!
The last couple years I’ve instituted a no-gift policy. Only one person had an issue with it but it’s worked well so far! And we always at all times try to gift experiences and put effort into the cards 🙂
It is hard to stick to the one-in-one-out rule. That’s why a no-gift policy is a good approach.
Thank you for your helpful ideas to reduce Christmas clutter. We discovered two boxes of Christmas decorations we haven’t used in years! I had my kids look through items they would like and the remains went to Value Village. I’d rather someone else make use of things we no longer need.
Ha ha. I discover stuff I had forgotten about all the time! It is nice to pass stuff along to someone else.