I’m sure you’d agree that traditions are part of what make the season so meaningful and memorable. Activities like cutting down a fresh tree, going to the Christmas Eve candlelight service, visiting Santa, and decorating your home make the season special.
Every year we look forward to cutting down our own tree.
However, too much of a good thing can become a not-so-good thing. If traditions flow into your life but there’s no thought of removing an old tradition for a new one, your holiday to-do list can become overstuffed. It’s a bit like beloved possessions. If there’s a one-way flow of stuff into your life, with no plan for decluttering and letting items go, the result is an overstuffed home, clutter and stress.
If the upcoming holiday season has you filled with apprehension or stress, this could be a sign that it’s time to step back and reevaluate your holiday traditions. Just as you would with physical clutter, your goal is to keep the good stuff—those activities that are most meaningful to you and your family. Give yourself permission to let go of, or stop doing, those activities that create stress, are no longer fun, or take away from the true meaning of the season for you. As with physical clutter, when you let go of the less meaningful stuff, you create space for the things that matter most.
What holiday traditions or to-dos would you like to declutter from your holiday plans this season? Please share your comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi there. We made a change to one of our traditions two years ago and if has proved to be wonderful! Here in the South, Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Dinner VERY closely resemble each other. My only child is married now, and his wife’s family have a huge Thanksgiving dinner. They then come to our house for Christmas, where I pull out all the stops and make the traditional groaning board turkey, ham, dumplings, dressing, etc. So a couple of years ago, we changed our Thanksgiving menu. This year we’re having grilled stuffed pork chops, au gratin potatoes, butter peas, cornbread, and roasted sweet potatoes. We only have four people for Thanksgiving, everyone is full, and I don’t have nearly the work to do!
seriously – after doing your organised christmas course for a few years running, i really simplified my systems and am really happy with our ‘simplifed’ celebrations.
the only thing i missed this year, was getting my card list out earlier in November to go through – so i feel a bit behind schedule (My card list was one of the first thing i decluttered – really thought about who i sent cards too and who i MADE cards for !!)
Not exactly a tradition BUT – something to think about –
Our church did a series this year on ” Advent Conspiracy”. Meaning of the season – mainly going back to homemade gifts, cutting the shopping list and/or amount of money, etc. There are also the charities where you give to them in someone’s name. A teacher MAY like food to the poor or a chicken to Africa instead of a trinket. Rethinklng and less spending may help some people. We had already cut down. I also agree with sending cards earlier (or even in January if you must & cutting that list. ENJOY Christmas!
I actually would like to do away with most of them. I am getting older and it all is just so much stress for me. I love Christmas but hate all the work. I think there is no hope for me 🙁
Mary–There is always Hope. Do what you love, do the parts of Christmas you love but on a smaller scale. Maybe you can contact your family and friends to let them know you want to change the way you’ve been celebrating this holiday, so it is less work and stress for you and them, and that you are open for suggestions. It may be the start of some new traditions. I wish you Hope, Joy and Cheer!
Great advice! Thanks very much for sharing. 🙂