How to make NEXT Christmas EASIER Thread. Suggestions Please:

[Kteacher]

I shop online, and if I'm shopping in stores, I tried to go at times when the stores wouldn't be too busy. Use gift bags whenever possible instead of wrapping paper. This year, instead of shopping for the adults on my list, I let them all know I was making a donation to the Red Cross. I made overnight french toast on Christmas Eve, and all I had to do was put it in the oven when I woke up- breakfast was ready by the time we were done opening gifts. I did as much as I could ahead of time ( while I watched the WDW parade on tv ) - I made the mashed potatoes in the morning, and put them in the crockpot on warm until dinner. I always make a standing rib roast for Christmas dinner-pay a little extra for a good cut of meat, and there's very little work involved once you put it in the oven. Appetizers were from Trader Joe's- an incredible cranberry chevre and brie en croute . I also made onion dip with sauteed onions and low fat sour cream. I had a glass of wine before my MIL arrived, so I would be able to deal with her Salad was bagged mesclun greens with broiled clementines in an olive oil vineggrette-took about 10 minutes to prep, and we had green beans sauteed sauteed in olive oil with pecans. I always clean up as I go, so there was very little clean up at the end of dinner, and dessert was purchased cheesecakes and homemade apple pie-one of the easiest desserts you can make . We don't travel on Christmas Day. If anyone wants to see us they know they are more than welcome to stop by. Just rememember, would a loved one really want to see you so stressed out over a holiday ? If something is just too much for you to do, then don't do it. Here's to a stress-free New Year

 

[Jennifer S]

We do a polyanna on both sides of the family so only two presents other than our immediate family. (and teachers gifts).

No Christmas cards.

Next year we are going to my dads the week before to cut out a visit on Christmas day. and I am making less cookies and desserts. We were too full to eat much after dinner.

Kids will get less too. They just got way too much.

Don't do stockings for me and DH - kids only.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Okay, I'm 41 and pregnant w/#4 while chasing a toddler--here's where I cut back:

I shopped and wrapped as I found time (tricky, but I got to bed at 10 Christmas Eve!).

I didn't decorate much--just the tree and a few other "important" things. Delegated the creche to DS8 and the Christmas village to DD10--they were honored to be chosen! Let's face it, I love decorating as much as the next person, but it can be such a pain, and when it ceases to be fun, it's time to stop.

Simple food--we had shrimp cocktail Christmas Eve. Big treat, yeah it cost a few $$, but the whole family was thrilled. Toddler had leftover mac and cheese--she was good!

I didn't get to the photographers--maybe in the next week, now that the rush is over, mail photos to relatives. We had the Christmas card (w/digital photos incorporated) printed out at the UPS store. Very quick.

Mostly, I just didn't let myself get nuts about things--simple gifts for the teachers, and relatives. I make it clear that my feelings aren't hurt if things are exchanged. I do try to hit favorite stores for my nieces, so at least they can shop for a replacement someplace they like.

 

[Kitty 34]

Instead of cooking Christmas dinner this year, SIL had decided to cook at her house.....that was great! Less stress and clean up at my house!

 

[TinkerBess_SnowTori]

Next year I will not be in the middle of a remodel of the house

That was what made it so stressful for me --- we are doing most of the work ourselves and I kept thinking if I worked longer, harder, faster, I could have it done and decorated in time for Christmas so everything was put aside thinking I would keep working on the house and get it done first

Next year -- the house will be done and I can focus on doing what I want to do - not what I have to do

 

[Hillbeans]

Well, I did stick with the rule to not buy too much for DS4. I also did a lot of online shopping and started wrapping gifts a few weeks ago.

We scaled back a lot this year also, and shopped the sales and made lists of what to buy each person so we weren't impulse buying in the stores.

I really have to say that this year went much smoother even with having a baby in the house.

 

[EthansMom]

I ordered many of our gifts on the internet. Also, had all of the Christmas shopping done before December. Instead of making Christmas cookies, we decorated one of those gingerbread house kits. Instead of hostessing one huge family celebration, I invited people over for dinner in smaller groups -- easier to converse and I actually got to visit with people instead of being too busy preparing food and cleaning. And DH took Friday off from work -- he watched the kids while I went grocery shopping and helped clean the house.

Next year, I'd like to do a Dirty Santa/Pollyanna exchange with the adults in DH's family instead of getting a token gift for each person. Also, next year, I may trim back on the number of cards I send.

 

[Sparx]

Start Shopping In July.

Man, there needs to be a 12 step program for people like me. I finished shopping at 1:30 Dec. 23. We celebrate on the 24.

Start Wrapping In August

everything was finally wrapped at 630 dec 23. once again we celebrated on the 24.

Bring something to throttle

Holidays are way too stressful. Throttleing helps.

 

[Disney Doll]

I'll tell you a little story....

About 4 years ago, my DMIL was dying. She took ill in September. We were told she about 4-6 weeks to live. She actually died December 9th. I am a person who does start to think about Christmas stuff in October or so. I start cards, shopping, planning. Of course, DMIL was ill, wanted to die in her own home, DFIL had already died earlier that year (that was a bad year), so myself, my DH, 2 of my 3 DSILs and my DAunt cared for her. We took turns, "scheduling" ourselves to be at her house for blocks of time. One DSIL usually slept there, DH, DAunt, & I did a lot of time during the day, the other DSIL did a lot of time in the evening.

This, of ocurse, cut into my previous way of "doing" Christmas. I was still able to do some stuff while DMIL was asleep, such as Christmas cards, some wrapping etc. But, we also did a lot of clearing out of DMIL's house, as she ahd lived there for 40 years and DSIL was going to buy it when DMIL passed. So my Christmas prep that year was not as it usually was, not as planned. And oyu know what?? Christmas still came. I let some things go. I made no cookies. I did a few less gifts. I did a lot more online & catalog shopping. Since I had a limited amount of time, I chose to spend it on things and people I enjoyed, rather than spending on things I felt I "had to" do. I spent a lot of time with my DMIL, making sure that as she went in to her last days that she knew she was well-loved.

I consider that Christmas my DMIL's last gift to me. She made me see that Christmas isn't about stuff, cookies, shopping etc. It's about people, love and spending time.

Figure out what is and isn't important to you. Figure out what you do and don't enjoy about the holiday. If you don't enjoy it, let it go. If it is a chore, let it go.