The Art of Doing Less: Finding More Joy This Holiday Season

We’re only a few short weeks from Thanksgiving! I’m excited for the upcoming holiday season as I am every year- but this year I’m looking at it a little differently so that I can enjoy this season as much as possible with my family! The Holidays always brings chaos, which can be fun, but also stressful! In normal “Ashleigh” Fashion, I’m here to help you think ahead before the chaos ensues – whether it’s Back to School Preparation, Meal Ideas, I’m here to help make you successful for that lies ahead!

 

*Consider what is most important to your family First.

Now is the perfect time to make a list of what’s most important to your family. Make it a dinner discussion to do in the next few days or week – what does the family want to do this Holiday Season? Make a list, and then order them by most to least important. There will always be a few items that are musts – i.e., Christmas Dinner with the Extended Family.. This says- what do we really want to do this Season? What will bring us the most Joy this Holiday season? What are ways that we can give back during this season? -Start your Calendar now:

Go online, and google “Blank Calendar,” or grab one from Canva. Print this out for November and December 2025 and start filling it in! Or you can also do this electronically if you’re so inclined. While not all Christmas Party invites are out yet, mentally note what weekends will likely hold the biggest celebration spaces. Once each week has 2-5 things on the calendar, it’s time to start saying no. Don’t forget to include the things that are already on the calendar regularly – sport games, church functions, and such!

Consider Writing in 1-2 days a week that are “Down Nights.” Maybe these are the nights you do your hot cocoa Christmas movie night in with the fam? That way, you won’t be tempted to add another activity – instead stay in and relax.

 

Put the Tree, Décor, & Lights, up Early We just put our Décor up this weekend. It feels early to me.. but we had a free afternoon and it felt less stressful to do it earlier than later. Tradition says to put it up right after Thanksgiving – but by that point I’m tired and it feels like you’re already late to the Holiday Planning. This also goes for Christmas Lights – Get them up earlier while the weather is still pleasant. *Also- be sure to check with your HOA rules if they allow you to put them up earlier than a certain date*  

Don’t Overdo the Holiday Décor. Your home does not have the look like a Hallmark movie. Christmas Décor is expensive – save that money and do something festive with the kids instead!  

Don’t Overcomplicate the Food We did a dinner party the other week and were supposed to bring appetizers and make it a fancy evening in with friends. However, with the busyness of that week, we almost decided to make it a wine and order pizza night. We were all tired and had a lot going – but we still wanted to be together! Keep it simple – and if that means you’re ordering Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner from Whole Foods – so be it! Other Places you can order your whole meal include: GoldBelly.com, Honey Baked Ham, Cracker Barrel, & Safeway. Other ideas include buying a premade Turkey or Ham, and making a few sides to go with it. Pick 3 favorites + a Dessert and no more! In a few years, you may not remember the meal, but you’ll remember who you were with.

This season, I want to sit back and savor great moments with Family and remember the real reason for the season. Anything else you’d recommend? Let me know!

Ashleigh