What Do YOU Want Your Holidays To Look Like?

Are you the type to get a little overwhelmed by all of the holiday cheer? Does the craziness of sales, parties and bad sweaters start to feel like a fever dream?  Or maybe you love the holiday joyful chaos, (in which case I say, carry on!)  For many of us (high functioning introvert right here) it can feel like a lot.  It’s easy for me to say that you don’t need to do the things that you don’t really want to do; however, with families, work and friends, sometimes we have to be good sports for the sake of our relationships.  Fear not: there’s a middle road, and I hope you’ll join me on it.

Consider the Clutter

Try to declutter BEFORE the holidays.  If you have kids, it’s a great time to have a look at all of those games, toys and clothes to see if things are worn out, broken, too small or no longer fun.  Toss the things that can’t be salvaged, donate the things that can be, and start with a little less.

Simplify Your Gift List

I used to put so much pressure on myself to find the perfect gift.  Now I find a crowd pleaser and give it to as many people as possible. A consumable gift is generally appreciated. I like to make up simple little bags with a single cheese and a jam that pair well together.  A single wine and cheese bag is a lovely gift, too.  It can be so easy to get in the weeds wondering if they like white or red, eat cheese, etc., but in the interest of simplicity, I say do your best and likely someone in their life will enjoy it. If you live in San Francisco, I will shamelessly plug Little Vine as a great place to put together a culinary gift bag at all price points (check out the online store too!) www.littlevinesf.com, 1541 Grant Ave. SF

Stop Doing (Certain) Things

Don’t like making cookies?  Buy them!  Don’t want to cook a big dinner this year? Eat out, have food delivered or ask someone else to do it.  I often hear that folks don’t want to disappoint Great Aunt Mildred, but for the sake of your relationship (and sanity!), I urge you to reconsider.  No one ever died of disappointment. Traditions can change, and others can step in if they want to keep certain ones going.  I used to love cooking every aspect of Thanksgiving dinner, right down to making the stock from scratch.  These days I just don’t want to. I planned to order a meal, but now [my partner] Jay said that he wants to make braised short ribs and mashed potatoes. Perfect!  Last year we ordered a deli platter from Katz’s in New York.  It was delicious!  Maybe next year I’ll want to cook again, but for now, I’m just happy that we’re all together eating fantastic food.

Prioritize Your Social Calendar

It’s exciting to be invited to things, especially after taking a long hiatus during Covid. But the holiday season is a long game and you may need to conserve energy by doing less at times. Perhaps there are some things that can’t be completely cut out, but maybe you can limit your stay to avoid burning out. I know that my idealized self wants to say yes to all of it, showing up fully and looking fabulous. But I have to limit myself to what works for me since a crowded event can, while fun, zap my energy for several days. Saying no has become a method of self care and I encourage everyone who needs to to try it.

Give the Gift of a Service or Experience (and if you are asked, politely decline that drum set).

I happen to know that professional organizing can make a great gift! House cleaning, massage, theater tickets, museum memberships also make thoughtful presents without the clutter. Gift cards can seem like a boring, generic gift to give, but I read that they are what teachers want the most. Consider giving a gift certificate to a local store or restaurant in their area. Many of my clients dread the influx of new toys every December. When I am asked about presents for my son, I give recommendations that he and I decide together based on being apartment dwellers. Luckily our relatives are respectful of our wishes to not receive a seven foot stuffed bear or a drum set!

Consider Pruning Your Holiday Decor

Sacrilege to many I know, but to quote Marie Kondo, does that oversized Santa with the missing eyes “spark joy”?  Was that ornament a gift that you never liked?  Holiday decorations should make you and your family happy. If there’s something that you don’t like or that has some bad memory attached to it, it needs to go. If a relative would be upset if you got rid of a family treasure, give it back to them to enjoy. Create a peaceful holiday environment by having fewer things that you really love to organize and put away at the end of the season.

Want to talk about organizing your home for the holidays to make it more calm and peaceful? Let’s chat!