In my quest to simplify my life, I thought it was time for a round-up of tips that can help make the hustle and bustle of the holiday season less so.

1) Ask your kids what traditions they love and choose one or two to continue. Sometimes we cram in so many activities thinking the more, the merrier, but in reality I’ve found it just means we’re dragging tired kids from one thing to the next.

This year I asked my kids which traditions or activities they loved the most and we are going to table the rest for future years. It is a beautiful reminder that not every activity has to become a tradition.

And in case you’re curious, Luna’s favorite tradition is “HOT DOG CHRISTMAS” which we coined after she asked Santa for a hotdog to eat in 2021 (the year she was two). Ever since we’ve made gourmet dogs for our Christmas meal. :)

Henrik is a big fan of looking at Christmas lights — a free activity that can be done any evening. Kids don’t need a million expensive activities where they are dressed up in fancy velvet + bowties. The thrive on simplicity.

2) Give Experiential + Consumable Gifts. I’ve built a business that helps manage clutter and create order in people’s homes, and one common theme is very apparent year after year…we all have plenty. :)

So this year I encourage you to think of gifts that don’t add clutter the recipient’s household. This allows you to stay on the “nice list” and provides your gift recipient with an experience or indulgance in something versus having another thing to dust.

Each year, we create an Anti-Clutter Gift Guide (2025 is coming next week), but you can get inspired by checking out years past here: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

3) Wrap with scraps. You heard it here first…save yourself the trip to the wrapping paper aisle and finish up rolls from yesteryears. I have had great fun getting creative with gift wrap over the years, and love breaking the rules by using fun color palettes that don’t always include green or red to wrap all of the prezzies under the tree.

4) Decorate with intention, rather than excess.

Considering pulling nature in using readily available natural items such as holly, cranberries, candles.
Garland, garland, garland! Not only is it disposable at the end of the season, but it can be used throughout winter.
Keep your family’s Christmas cards year after year and string them up as garland over the mantel or tape them into the shape of a tree. Automatic décor.
Mix in the holiday decorations with winter décor, so you don’t have to decorate twice during the season.
Vintage holiday collections can be very meaningful to display each year. Make sure to store items together for easy set-up and tear-down. I saw something recently that was a reminder to bring out the family heirloom pieces for the holidays, rather than always buying new.
Skip the store bought advent calendars that bring 24 little pieces of junk into your home (you see where I stand). We created an Acts of Connection Advent Calendar years ago and use it to liven up the season in a meaningful way.

5) Rent your Holiday Wardrobe (or get creative with pieces you already own). Dressing for the holidays can be full of sequins + sparkle, but often times these pieces are only worn once or twice before being tucked away for next year.

I’ve been obsessed with Nuuly (Athropologie’s Rental Company) for years and this is a perfect season to test it out for yourself. Treat yourself to a discount here.

I’m also constantly inspired by Style Riot and the combinations she pulls together - check out the Riot Revue for some holiday inspo.

The holidays are such a special time of year that I feel like we don’t fully appreciate once we land in the space between Thanksgiving and New Years. The busyness feels like something we just need to “get through” and I really want to change how that feels for my family.

If you’ve implemented any strategies to create calm during this season, I’d love to hear from you!!

The Baer Minimalist® creates organized spaces that are both functional and stylish. By focusing on what matters most and clearing away the excess, we bring simplicity and elegance to every project.

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Simplify the Season // Five Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday