One of my favourite lines in the movie Christmas Vacation is, “I don’t know what to say except it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.” If you’re feeling a bit like Ellen Griswold as Christmas approaches, you’re in the right place! Today’s post is a roundup of ideas to help you get back to basics and simplify your Christmas celebrations.

How did Christmas get so complicated?

Christmas is supposed to be a season of peace and joy. How did it get so complicated and stressful?

When I think back to my childhood, our Christmas celebrations were much simpler. My sisters and I would receive one special toy we asked for, along with a few smaller gifts. The memories that stand out relate more to attending Christmas mass, visits from family and friends, and just spending time together.

Over the years, the pressure to deliver that perfect Christmas has definitely increased. Our desire for perfection has translated into unnecessary spending, stressful family gatherings, and a general lack of joy.

To simplify your Christmas celebrations, I’ve put together a roundup of posts to take the stress out of everything from gift-giving to entertaining. I hope you’ll find something to help you get away from the commercialism of Christmas and increase your focus on the things that really matter.

Ideas to simplify your Christmas celebrations

Focus on what matters

The first step to a stress-free Christmas is deciding what matters to you. Instead of a wish list, try making a “Don’t want list” like I did last year. Learn more in What’s on your don’t want list?

Simplify gift giving

Christmas might be the season of giving, but you don’t need to break the bank. Here some ideas to simplify, while keeping the spirit of giving.

• This Christmas, give experiences not things has 12 ideas for experience gifts for anyone on your list.
• Fun gift exchange ideas for groups has gift exchange ideas to help you cut down your Christmas shopping list. It also has a free printable download of a fun gift exchange game.
• Regifting rules – When it makes sense and how to do it right takes a fresh look at regifting.

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Streamline your meal preparations

I have a secret weapon to simplify my holiday meal preparations—my slow cooker! Here are a couple of recipes to reduce the stress of preparing a Christmas meal:

• Sweet and simple slow cooker glazed carrots
• Easy and delicious slow cooker stuffing

And for a super easy sweet treat, try my Simple and delicious Breton brittle.

Reduce clutter and save money

• 5 ways to be both festive and frugal has ideas to reduce the impact on your bank balance.
• 10 ways to enjoy a simpler clutter-free Christmas will help you cut back on the stress of unnecessary clutter.

Do good for others

• ‘Tis the season for charitable giving looks at 6 ways you can give back this holiday season. And they don’t all involve money!
• 15 sure fire ways to get on Santa’s nice list is a fun list of ways to spread joy and cheer.

Look after you

Finally, if you tend to neglect your wellbeing at Christmas, these posts will help you reduce your stress and stay healthy.

• 5 simple strategies to reduce stress this Christmas
• Say no to stress! 12 tips for a simple Christmas
• Fun and easy Christmas workouts to fit your schedule has a roundup of Christmas-themed YouTube workouts.

I hope you’ve found something here to put the peace and joy back into your Christmas celebrations.

Which of these posts is your favourite? Drop me a comment below to let me know.