I love Christmas — the decorating, the festive food, catching up with family and friends, and opening presents on Christmas Day. It’s one of my favourite times of year. But getting everything organised for Christmas and New Year can also be a lot of pressure. Here are my top tips to take the stress out of Christmas.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Tips To Take The Stress Out Of Christmas
#1. Planning Is Key to Keep Christmas Stress Free
I usually start my Christmas planning early by making lists of what I need to buy and do, then breaking it down week by week. Tasks always feel less overwhelming when they’re split into bite-sized chunks.
Download our handy Christmas Planner for 8 weeks to a stress-free Christmas.
#2. Food Glorious Food
From planned parties to unexpected guests, to the main meal on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, food plays a huge part in the Christmas ritual — and can cause plenty of stress for whoever’s in charge of getting it right.
Plan your menu as early as you can, both for Christmas dinner and for any parties you’re hosting over the festive season, and order what you can ahead of time.
Keep the freezer stocked with a few extras that can be pulled out for unexpected guests. From canapés to desserts, a well-stocked freezer is a lifesaver over the holidays.
#3. Wrap As You Go
I’m usually at the kitchen table well past midnight on Christmas Eve wrapping presents. Every year I promise myself I’ll stock up on wrapping paper early and wrap gifts as I buy them — that’s still the plan!
You may also enjoy: Tips & Tricks To Spruce Up Your Home For A Special Occasion
#4. Ask For Help This Festive Season
If you’re hosting Christmas dinner or New Year’s Day dinner, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Assign a dish to each guest so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is catching up. It really does help keep the day relaxed, and it gives you more time to enjoy it too.
You may also enjoy: Easiest Ever Festive Canapé and Drink Ideas for Unexpected Guests
#5. Take Time Out
It’s wonderful to spend time catching up with loved ones over the holidays, but do build in some time out too — on your own, with your partner, or with your own family.
You don’t have to be on the go the whole time. You’ll feel far more relaxed if you carve out space for a pyjama day, a walk, a meal together, or a Christmas movie with the family.
You may also enjoy: 39 Great Family Christmas Movies Picked by Parents
#6. Keep It Simple
From decorating (pick a colour scheme) to presents (buy as you spot them) to party food (order ready-made online if you can), try to keep things simple this year.
Focus on what matters most and get those essential tasks done. Try not to get swept up in creating a picture-perfect Winter Wonderland — you’ll only end up stressed that you didn’t finish everything. Simplicity really is the key to a stress-free Christmas.
You may also enjoy: Add Some Sparkle With Our Festive Style Tips For Home
#7. It’s Okay To Say No!
You don’t have to say yes to every Christmas party, outing, night out and gift exchange. It’s okay to say no in order to save time, sanity and money. Instead, choose one or two social events you’ll really enjoy and keep the rest of your calendar free for family occasions and time with close friends. It makes for a much less stressed Christmas season.
#8. Remember To Have Fun!
Between food orders, present wrapping, parties and to-do lists, be sure to stop and actually enjoy the holiday season. Catch up with those you love, take long walks on frosty days with the kids, make snow angels, build a snowman or go sledging if you get the chance.
Ask everyone in the family for one thing they’d like to do over the holidays, and try to make it happen. Whether it’s ice skating, visiting Santa, watching a Christmas movie together or playing a board game — the only rule is, it has to be fun.
I hope these tips help take the stress out of Christmas for you. If you have your own suggestions, we’d love to hear them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to start planning for a stress-free Christmas?
Start early and break things down into a week-by-week list. Tackling small, manageable tasks over several weeks feels far less overwhelming than trying to do everything in December.
How can I avoid wrapping presents at midnight on Christmas Eve?
Buy your wrapping paper early and wrap gifts as you buy them, rather than leaving it all for one big session. A little at a time makes a big difference.
How do I get help with Christmas dinner without doing it all myself?
Don’t be afraid to ask. Assign a dish or task to each guest so the workload is shared, leaving you more time to enjoy the day with everyone else.
Is it okay to skip some Christmas parties and events?
Yes — you don’t need to say yes to everything. Pick one or two events that matter most to you and keep the rest of your time free for family and close friends.
You May Also Enjoy
- Tips & Tricks To Spruce Up Your Home For A Special Occasion
- Easiest Ever Festive Canapé and Drink Ideas for Unexpected Guests
- 39 Great Family Christmas Movies Picked by Parents
- Add Some Sparkle With Our Festive Style Tips For Home
Looking For More Festive Ideas?
Browse our full collection of Christmas articles for more family activities, recipes and ideas to make the season easier — and save this one to come back to whenever the to-do list starts feeling long.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our FREE weekly newsletter, packed with fun ideas, family-friendly recipes, expert advice and parenting tips.
