It was the year that I decided that I was going to be absolutely intentional about keeping it a sacred Christmas. I had my Bible readings focused on the Christ story, I bought an Advent devotional, and I carefully selected a play list that was filled with songs that kept my heart focused on our Savior.
I was doing great.
Until I realized I was all out of Scotch tape.
The night before our Bible Study Christmas ornament exchange.
And that’s when I lost my Jesus.
You are going to get a lot of great advice about keeping your heart in the right place when it comes to preparing for Christmas. Which is great.
But I’ve come to find if I also keep my head in the right space, and make some smart decisions as early as possible, that goes a long way to giving my heart some protection. So here are a few practical things to think through now before Christmas hits you in the face.
- Talk to friends and family early.
The earlier you make plans, the easier it is to see potential problems and family conflicts. (This is especially important with in-laws and step-families.)
Set up and send out the dates and times of when you will be celebrating early so everyone has the information. You may even consider sending a “Save the Date” if you have a larger family (or a forgetful family.)
- Let other people help – no really – let them help.
There are no awards for people who pull off a holiday with no help (only sore feet and bitter attitudes.) If you are the one who is hosting the holiday, let others help (and if you are shy on offers, feel free to ask!) Here are a couple of ways to make it a family – and friends – affair.
- What Can I Bring?
Use www.signupgenius.com to create a list of all the dishes you need that others can bring. Be specific. (You don’t want to say “Salad” and have three people bring chicken salad.) Think of it this way – when people choose what they can bring, they will bring their “specialty”. Having a table of everyone’s best foods is a GREAT way have the best meal of the year.
- Create a Help List
For years, I would have people show up at my house for a holiday, and the first question they would ask is “How can I help?” The problem? All the things that could have been done with little prep were already done.
Now, I think backwards.
When I create the holiday to do list, I purposely think of tasks that guests who are just showing up can do. As I’m listing all the things that need to get accomplished, I put the word “Help” next to anything that is easy for someone else to do. Here are some examples:
- Set up cheese and cracker plate (cheese is in the fridge and crackers are on the red hutch. Feel free to slice the cheese or leave it in blocks with a cheese knife.)
- Set the table (everything is on there!)
- Set up the kids table
- Walk the dog (yes – I put this on the list. We’ve had several more introverted guests volunteer. And Jake our puggle? Loves it!)
- Fill the cooler with drinks and ice (can you tell we’re pretty informal around here)
- Be in charge of the group photo
- Mash the potatoes
- Take the trash out
- Take the recycling out
- Find Christmas music on Pandora
- Cut up veggies for the veggie tray
- Build Limits
Talk to your family early about limits. Do you want to put a limit on the number of gifts? The amount of the gifts? Do a gift exchange? Maybe not exchanging at all?
We have a lot of young adults in the family and they can’t all afford gifts for everyone, so we use www.elfster.com (a virtual way of choosing names from a hat), and keep it affordable for everyone.
- Don’t go to the Store (unless you really love to!)
My anxiety level goes up several notches whenever I need to go to the mall between October 15th and December 31st. I know that I’ll probably have to make one trip there (holding my breath until I can get away from the crowds –I don’t like crowds..) but for everything else, I’ve found ways around it.
- Amazon – Nuff’ said. I have Amazon Prime (one of the best investments I’ve made,) that I use to purchase many of our gifts, and use Prime Pantry to get non-perishables for cooking delivered right to my door.
- Google Express – this is how I order all my perishables for the big day. (Who are we kidding? We end up celebrating for three days…)
- Etsy – I have bought the best, thoughtful, gifts here. If your child (or parent) is into it, someone on Etsy is into it. A couple of years ago, I bought my mom a rock that was shaped and painted like a VW Bug. (OK – it sounds weird, but my mom had a Bug for thirty years, and the rock was super cute.) My mom loved it. Just loved it. That is not something that you could pick up on Amazon… Plus, supporting artists. Double win in my book.
Looking for encouragement to help you recover from that pesky problem of perfectionism? Today’s featured book is Get Yourself Organized for Christmas. You can enter to win a signed copy by leaving a comment directly on Kathi’s blog. PLUS, you’ll also be entered into the grand prize drawing for the Wrapped In Grace gift package: signed copies of all five of our books, a $100 Visa gift card, and a bunch of other fun goodies. All winners will be announced Saturday, October 24th at http://www.WrappedInGrace.info.
Kathi Lipp is a national speaker and the author of fifteen books including Clutter Free, Hot Mama:12 Secrets to a Sizzling Hot Marriage, The Get Yourself Organized Project, The Husband Project and The Cure for the Perfect Life. She is a frequent guest on radio and TV and has been named Focus on the Family radio’s “Best of Broadcast”. She is the host of the popular podcast You’ve Got This with Kathi Lipp.
She and her husband Roger are the parents of young adults in San Jose, CA. Kathi speaks at conference across the country.
Agreed, fantastic ideas! Everything that I have read in this series has been so enlightening as a newlywed. I am looking forward to establishing new traditions with my husband and everything that I’ve read has gotten me thinking. Thank you to you and the ladies for your perspective! Very enlightening!
I took notes!
Kathi, What a wonderful post.
You have so many wonderful ideas and tips. Thank you for sharing them here. I am so glad I discovered your blog. Have a good weekend.
God Be with your and yours.
Sarah
Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you for reassuring me that some of the things I do to stay organized are good ideas! I am a big list maker, and it always helps to see things in writing and to be able to cross them off. Haven’t done the “helper” list, but a great idea for this year! Blessings to you this Christmas.
I guess I’ll be checking out Prime Pantry today because I’m at the point that I hate going to the grocery store! Thanks for the great stress relieving tips!
Prime pantry, Google express, holiday mission statement? Who knew? What awesome resources! Thanks for sharing. Consider this post bookmarked.
Great ideas! Thanks so much!
Great ideas!! I like to keep the children busy by using the paper disposable tablecloths and
they can draw Christmas decorations,etc. on the table before setting the table. They love
it and everyone participates and is busy.
Wonderful ideas Kathi. I will implement some for Thanksgiving, the holiday that I host every year. Thanks for all that you do and share and how you encourage us women.
Clever and yet so simple. I’ve never thought to ask for help in these practical yet time consuming ways! I love sign up genius!
Love this article. I especially like the idea of making a Help List. I either don’t think of everything I need help with or hate to ask. I think I will make the list and just lay it out so people can refer to it and decide for themselves what they want to do.
I asked my young coworker to help me learn Etsy and Pinterest yesterday after reading your thoughts. I’m bringing my laptop next week so she and I can have a learning session on our lunch break. This old dog can learn these new tricks no matter how un-tech-savvy I am. Thank you for your ministry!
Thanks for the Etsy idea…and the giveaway.
Thanks for the tips! You are so right about using your head to protect your heart. Some proactive planning can prevent the stress that tends to ruin a Christmas artitude.
Thanks so much for the practical advice! I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts!
good ideas
We very seldom entertain at the holidays. We are usually guests, but I can see where your ideas for the help list could be used in our home for decorating, gift wrapping etc. to lessen my stress level and make the atmosphere more peaceful and enjoyable. Thank you.
Great article! Nice to see I’m not the only one who avoids stores the last three months of the year.
Great ideas! Thanks!!
Every holiday season my intentions are good, but it rarely ever happens the way I intend it to. I’m hoping this holiday season, I can just “go with the flow.”
Great ideas! Thanks so much!
Love implementing these tips! I can’t wait for a stress-free Christmas, and really getting back to what it’s all about for our family. 🙂
This is a great sample. I’d love to read the entire book!
Loved the excerpt, will need to read the book! Any tips for those of us in retail (: ?
I like these websites….what genius to create them to ease the burden of what should be a joyous time! Thank you!
The “Help” list is fantastic! I’d love to see more tips from the book. Thank you for sharing. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who has dreams of a “perfect” holiday season that don’t always come true!!
I love the idea about having a list of things for people to do. Brilliant!
Awesome suggestions, Kathi; thanks for sharing!
It is so hard not to expect that each year might be the most “perfect” if we just start a bit earlier!!…
love the help list
I also like the idea of a unique mission statement or goal for celebrating Christmas. Often we do lose the reason for the season, including us, well-intended believers in Christ! This year for me I think it is thanksgiving for what Christ has done, the power of His birth and His resurrection. Then hopefully I can hold fast to that goal and have it ground me in the midst of planning and festivities. Thanks Kathy!
LOVE all these ideas! Putting them to use this year. Thank you! 🙂
There are some really great ideas for downsizing my stress. I love the list of things to offer people to do, and how to be specific as to what I want people to bring to the celebration. Over all a great help for me, to get simplified before Christmas. You know I LOVE Christmas but all these hairy details help me lose my joy. So if I can learn how to simplify, YAY.
Thanks for the great ideas
Wish I had some of this knowledge in my younger years!
What perfect timing! My husband and I have been talking about how we wanted to have a more calm holiday season. Love these ideas that will help make the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas peaceful and enjoyable instead of rushed and resented.
Every year I strive to start earlier and organize better. And every year, I end up a frazzled mess. There’s always so much to do that by the time Christmas actually arrives my family is calling me ‘Miss Gulch’ (that scary, bicycle riding, ToTo stealing woman from The Wizard of Oz). Yikes! Definitely NOT the kind of memories I want my family to have of our Christmas celebrations. So this year, I will try some of your suggestions… and Miss Gulch will not be on the guest list!
I would love this book!! Once Halloween is near I just start getting anxious because I know the holidays are near and will be here before I know it. I love how everything is decorated beautiful and smells so good. I try to relax but there is just so much I want to do like baking and taking the kids to see Christmas lights and do activities and go Christmas shopping. Yet, all I really want to do is sit on the couch and watch Christmas movies and somebody else do it all for me or it just all appear out of no where. All these big ideas that I think of or would like for my kids sometimes are out of our budget too. We try not to make Christmas about the presents and our kids are pretty good about only asking Santa for one or two gifts and they know that Christmas is Jesus’s birthday. But, I would love to make some kind of family tradition for our little family, not something that my husband or I did when we were little. I want to put faith back into our holidays and into our family as well.
Great tips for keeping Christ at the center of Christmas!
This was a good blog for me to read! My desire and plan is to make November and December as free and joyful as possible. I’ve already handled #1 this morning!! So glad too, because now I know who will and who won’t be with us on my favorite holiday (Thanksgiving) and I no longer have the expectations I had yesterday. I’m disappointed, but I was amazed at how much better I feel to know it ahead of time than be surprised with it at the last minute. Now I am on to the other suggestions for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Thank you for covering this important subject in your blog! God send!
Great advice.
Hi Kathi!
I am all about planning, preparation, and organization…so I loved this post for the holidays! These are some awesome practical tips for being a little more prepared for a smoother get together. I especially love the one about writing the word “help” next to tasks on your list that someone else can do. I’ll be super busy and wishing I had help and then people always ask how they can help and suddenly I’m blank as soon as they ask…I can’t think of a thing. Thank you!
I am such a planner. I like to set the date early and get going on the planning. My mother in law on the other hand will decide the Friday before that she wants to do something that weekend. LOL we make room for her last minute plans but I always plan the big events/holidays. I am enjoying these blogs helps me fine tune my skills.
I. Feel. Like. Let’s. Get. Over. With. I. Am. Tired. Of. Feeling. Like. This. This. Is. Gonna. Be. Different
Thank you so much for the two website direct links (which I’d never heard of), and I would never have given Etsy a thought so thanks for that too! I’m always determined to have a stress free Christmas, but it hasn’t happened yet. I’m hoping this helps!
These ideas are so great! I know I will be implementing. Few this year for sure. I too am a huge supporter of Amazon Prime!
Love the suggestions! Especially the “help” list for guests that arrive early….this will help keep me calm and unfrazzled! I’m determined this year!!
Thank you. I liked all the ideas for the ‘help’ list.
Such good ideas! I will have to investigate Amazon Prime so that I will have access to Prime Pantry(?) I think it was. That might be the prefect solution for getting the special foods my husband needs for his dietary needs wherever we are as we move from one campground to another throughout this great country we live in!
Amy, Thank you for writing this blog. Not only did I find a new way shop online using Etsy for a less stressful Christmas, but your personal intention of reading an advent devotional was a good reminder to me. Additionally, Becky Kelley’s music video was amazing…Where’s the line to see Jesus. So glad I read thru the posts of others to get extra inspiration. What a way to start the day. Truly appreciate your heart’s passion.
I really liked the online shopping suggestions. Im going to checkout them out.Thanks
I love all of the ideas. I have not heard of many of the sites you noted. We’re going to try them out!
Thank you so much for your honesty. And in seeing the humor in the ‘error of our ways’.
God bless.
Julie
Holidays are my favorite time of the year but it gets side-tracked when I try to make it perfect for my family. I keep forgetting that nobody is perfect but our One True King. But, for some unknown reason, I always have a hard time remembering that….especially around the holidays. It truly is meant to be a time to worship the Lord for his gift of Jesus, and for our families to be together, but somewhere between Christmas Commercials and crowded parking lots, our calling of this amazing day gets turned into the Island of Misfit Toys. Thanks for your devotional today and for reminding us that it is normal to feel this way but there there is a better way to live out our Holidays. I would love to read your book to get more insight and help regarding the subject! Thank YOU! =)
I think your opening comment is the key. Plan ahead so you don’t find yourself in the cray causing you to leave out Jesus. Every tip during this season is welcome.
I am a Christmas lady all the way and love everything about it especially the spiritual meaning and the love that flows at this time of the year. Thank you for all the great and helpful ideas.
Thank you so much for these wonderful ideas! They will definitely come in handy for my large family.
Glorious Treasure! That is what this article is. Phenomenal ideas. Thank you! 🙂
These first few ideas already have me hooked !
Always looking for practical and easy ideas to help me simplify the season and amplify the reason !!
Thanks so much for the chance to enter and win !!
Thanks for the advice. I really need to take the “help” list to heart!
Great ideas! I’m already stressing out!!
Great ideas!!!!
Some of these ideas a really good!
LOVE the idea of a help list! Will definitely do this one day when we have the family to our home…not just for holidays but other big events too! And I’m all for Etsy unique and original gifts!
Thank you for the great tips! Planning early always helps me to feel less stressed!
Thanks so much for your ideas. Christmas SHOULD be a beautiful , unrushed time.
Thanks for helping us work towards that. 🙂
It’s really hard for me to delegate tasks to other people because I’m a recovering perfectionist! But I’m really going to try this year, and am definitely going to make a list of things others can do to help out. Thanks for the great tip!
I love the help list. I might never have thought of that! I am going to get plenty of scotch tape early. It is often the little things that turn me into a Grinch at Christmas time. Thank you!
Love the practical advice. Saving jobs for people to help with – brilliant!
Great ideas! I had no idea there were so many virtual ways to makes plans with family. These will really help for long distance relatives.
Insightful and helpful. Thank you for sharing.
I have never heard of Etsy; definitely checking that out this year. I too order things online; not into crowds either! The help list is a great idea, I will put that into play next time I host!
I would be SO blessed to receive a book by Kathi. Loved this post and could benefit from reading more…and so could my family!
All such practical, helpful ideas. Can’t wait to try them out this year. How easy we can lose our Jesus in the craziness of His season!
You had me at , that’s when I lost my Jesus.” Describes my day yesterday. ? Great thoughts. Can’t wait to read the book!
These are a lot of great resources and ideas! I’m pleased my in-laws have been doing a gift exchange for years! We even had a tech savvy brother- in- law make a way for us to post gift lists online so we have ideas what to buy!
What great advice! I really like the tips in shopping because I also hate crowds!
Sometimes the reason we get stressed is we don’t allow ourselves enough down time. I know that happens to me a lot and especially during the holidays.
Less stress is always a good thing, especially at Christmas!
Wonderful advise thank you!! I ll look at Etsy as I don’t like crowds either !! I try to go right when stores open and get out quickly !! Great ideas also for tasks others can do as they arrive to share the load and make them feel valued!
Any help in de-stressing Christmas is always most helpful!
Loved the post! Glad I found you thru Glynnis
Thanks for the great ideas! Sharing them with others!
Such great ideas! Thank you for sharing them.
Thanks for the great tips!! I also love Etsy for gifts!! Allows me to take a more personal approach to gift giving and helps me avoid stores!! I appreciate you sharing with us!!
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts and ideas! I am looking forward to future posts!
Thank you so much for sharing some great ideas! I can’t believe it’s almost time to get ready for the holidays!
These ideas are great for whenever you’re hosting a gathering. I think all my sisters and daughters could use this book, too!
Thanks for the online resources–will be VERY helpful this year for my stress-free Christmas.
Love the Elfster idea!
I LOVE these ideas! Looking forward to reading your book!
Dawn
I love the Elfster and etsy ideas! Thanks for sharing,
Some really great ideas here. There were a couple of tips I never thought abo u t, that would definitely make the big day less stressed.
This is perfect! Thanks for the great advice. I’ll definitely be using elfster with my friends this Christmas.
Definitely need help with perfectionism – the older and more tired I become, the worse my house looks like and I continue not to not begin clean up and organizing projects because I know I won’t have time to do them as perfect as I want them so things continue to stack up – is a vicious cycle!
Thanks for this post and for the chance to win a copy of your book! May God continue to bless your ministry!
Kathi: Thank you for the great suggestions! My extended family is spending Christmas at my parents’ house and it’s always stressful when we get together. I am going to share your ideas with my mom.
Grea ideas to stay sane.
Thank you from a the practical ideas!
Thanks for the great ideas. Etsy sounds like the perfect solution for my mother-in-laws gift.
Our family is large…& complicated. And the rush to get it ALL done is hard for me. We host Christmas dinner & love doing it. If only I wasn’t exhausted. What great ideas Kathi has. I am using them…especially this year. It’ll be a hard time..my first Christmas without my mom who passed away in May.
Thanks for being REAL! I love the line about “losing your Jesus.” That happens to me sometimes. ??
So excited for this series and your book! And of course for Christmas 🙂
I love the idea of a Christmas mission statement. I really experienced the gift of our savior Jesus this past year and I can’t wait to celebrate His birth! Growing up Christmas was about shopping and wrapping and Santa and I’m just so thankful to have a heart now for Jesus. He makes everything better, including Christmas!
Lots of great ideas! But how does one plan Christmas festivities when they are probably going to be moving over Christmas break???
I will be able to use your tips–thank you very much!
I usually say to guests that ask what can I do I say well really nothing, but thanks now I will now assign them a job when asked. I love the limits on gifts also we already are blessed with so much!!! And remember Jesus is the Reason for the season
Very good practical advice! I usually just do everything myself, but I think I’ll incorporate some of these great ideas this year! Thanks 🙂
Love the simple ideas to make the holidays less stressful. Thanks for sharing! I also love to play the song, “Where’s the line to see Jesus”, often during the holiday season. It’s a great reminder what the season is about and to take a step back.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OExXItDyWEY
I thought I was the only one who saved small tasks for guests who arrive early! I felt reassured by Kathi … knowing that this really is a legitimate thing to do 🙂
Great!!we all need help with grace and stress for the holidays. Get anxious thinking about it.:)
Thank you Kathi for this particular blog I was so blessed by the information contained in it if you like I go through the same struggle every year and they really like the practical way in which you tackled the subject that all of us face praise the Lord for the gift He’s given you and I look forward to checking out your website and getting to know you better Lord bless thank you my sister in Christ!
Love, Dawn
Thank you for these practical reminders!
I love these ideas! Thank you so much!
The signupgenius is so cool – amd the elfster too – my adult children will think I’ve finally come into the 21st century 🙂 I also love the to-do lists for people as they arrive – people always ask and I’ve always tried to over-do so they wouldn’t have to help – but then I went at it backwards from the stand point of how I feel when I arrive at someone’s house – and I would love to keep busy by helping – super cool, thanks!
Great ideas. Thanks,also for the websites to look up!
I love these ideas!
We try to keep things pretty simple around here. More often than not, no extended family. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast, deer roast and homemade mac-n-cheese for dinner. It makes the day go way more relaxing.
Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas. I really enjoyed reading your blog today. May God bless you and your family this holiday season. Merry Christmas!
I love the help list. Thank you.
I loved your ideas!
Thank you for the very practical tips! I entertain several senior adults who ALWAYS show up early. I’m going to have a list ready next time:)
This is wonderful. I am looking forward to less stress and more blessings. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing some great advice!
Thank you for the wonderful suggestions!
My favorite season! This year will be a first – treated to an extended family vacation @ Disney!
Especially loved the idea of indicating what tasks someone can help with.
Great ideas!! Especially stressful when you work full time .. Everything seems so crammed into a small amount of time! Thanks for the pre-planning ideas!
I will use this information. Very do-able and practical. Thank you!
I went into Pier 1 the other day just to window shop and of course all the Christmas stuff was out!! I absolutely love decorating for Christmas, I started to daydream about a whole new setup for my trees (yes I have two for my 1 bedroom apartment). Then I remembered how almost everything that I have for Christmas decorations were almost exclusively given as gifts or hand me downs because I was never able to afford any decorations at Christmas. It may seem silly and trivial to some people, but those decorations really remind me of Christ’s love and God’s provision because they were all given to me out of love and not bought out of holiday excess. Praying that you and I both continue to focus on our provisions and not our lack this holiday season!
Loved your tips!
Great ideas! I always get flustered when guests arrive early and ask to help.
…….and that’s when I lost my Jesus. Right!!!!!! Best of intentions until we can’t find the scotch tape. You spoke at a mom’s luncheon I was at a few years back and it was sooooo good. (I bought each of the books you brought). Love them.
Love the helpful hints!! Would love to have your book to help me plan & organize for Christmas!
Terrific and doable suggestions, Kathi! Thanks for helping me get centered before the chaos begins.
Hi Kathy,
This is incredibly timely, helpful advice! The hardest part of Christmas planning is outings for the family. Coordinating everybody’s diverse ideas of fun is HARD. What is basically important to me is that we are together. We tried doing a family day in San Francisco last year and coordinating three cars and 12 of us was a nightmare. I’m still not sure if it was worth it.
I am really looking forward to hearing more from you!!
Denise
Extended family Christmas is always spent at my sister’s house. Their house was built for family occasions and the location is the best for all of us. I think this book would be perfect for her and hubby, as she has a habit of taking on most of it and I know that causes a lot of stress on her.
looking forward to a stress – less Christmas. Hope I win
Thank you for the great planning ideas, I will be using them! 🙂 <3Denie
Beautiful! Relatable! And very, Very, REAL.
Thank you!
Great tips – walking the dog is a great idea. I would have never thought of as a way someone could help. It is a great way to get energy out so the pet is not as excited when all the company comes!
What a great list! Loved all the suggestion – now to put them into action…hmmm?
I am working on thinking I don’t have to do it all! Thanks for the encouragement.
I am loving the ideas you have for de-stressing Christmas. I am 68 years old and both of my daughter-in-loves have families with more than one set of parents to work dates around. One of them lives out of town so it is difficult to get much assistance with her since when they arrive in town they have to spend time with her family too. The other one does help some but she has 4 children and 2 sets of parents in town too. You have already shown me some simple ways that I can get a little bit of assistance and not be all stressed out on the day we celebrate Christmas, which is never on Christmas Day. That is okay with me since whatever day my family is together and we are celebrating together is Christmas to me. My husband and I just relax on Dec. 25 which isn’t a bad thing. I would love to win your book.
Loved the ideas – especially the help list. I always get that question from guests as they come in, but at that point it’s just stressful to try and think of something. Then, to give instructions as well is hard for me.
Thank you for the wonderful tips !
Especially like the ideas for allowing others to help–we don’t have to be “Mary” and do it all on our own.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience (who wouldn’t lose their Jesus when you realize you don’t have any more scotch tape?) and for giving the concrete, easy tips to de-stress Christmas events!
My mom was hospitalized with chest pain last Christmas, trying to make everything perfect and getting overwhelmed. Praise Jesus, she’s fine. But it was a wake-up call for us and I’ll be sharing your list with her!
I really like the “create a help list”. I am going to do it. ?
Kathi and Cheri, thank you for putting this together and making these great videos! You will help many to experience Grace in a special way!
Five Children
Four Daughters – in – love and a Son – in – love
Nine Grandchildren
I’m overwhelmed and it’s only October…
ACK!
I need your book!
I AM so doing this this year. In years past we have actually chosen to go away for Christmas to avoid the family stress. I so want to have a wonderful, Christ centered Christmas this year. We will be starting on this planning phase before the end of October. Thank you Kathi and all the other ladies in the Wrapped in Grace group!!
Thanks! I need all the help I can get for getting organized for the holidays. 🙂
Great ideas; I like the working back idea and the list of things to do for people as they arrive!! Thank you for this opportunity!
i love these practical ideas!
The “Help List” has given me ideas of where to pitch in if the hostess can’t think of any. Dog walking is a great offer, especially in small kitchens.
your ideas are great – would love to have your book!!
I love Kathi’s practical yet inspiring way of looking at the world!!
A stocking-full of helpful advice. I particularly loved the tips about using technology in our favor. I’m a big fan of Sign Up Genius–but had never thought of using it for family gatherings. I’m actually looking forward to Christmas planning now!
Thanks for bringing some much-needed joy to the world!
LOVE these ideas! Especially the Etsy one! thanks.
Loved your post today. Especially the idea about making a help list, and saving the easier things to do for guests as they arrive.
I’m a list maker. I’m great at making lists. The problem is following that list. I love what you’ve posted here. And I’ve learned a few things just by looking at your list. I just need to learn to look at my list! Hopefully, this year will see me doing so. I do love that you shop online and I’d forgotten about all the “different” things that Etsy has. I need to look at that this year. Thank you for this post! You’ve given me some great ideas.
Thank you for this great post. I love your ideas….the Help List, shopping on Etsy, etc. I also enjoyed your video on having a Christmas Mission Statement.
Thank you for some great ideas. Love Christmas don’t like the stress.
Great ideas. Let them help.
I completely avoid the mall from now until after the new year. Love Amazon Prime and online shopping for the holidays!
All great ideas but especially love idea of creating mission statement….now that child is grown, I’m trying to get back to the sacredness of the holiday, and making the “family ornaments” depict the true meaning of Christmas.
I love this. A list for helps is great maybe that will eliminate my need to do everything myself
Thanks for the tips!!!
Great ideas! I have decided to “scale back” this year and really soak up the season! Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for all the great ideas, especially the list of what others can do to help. So many times I feel like my to do list is overwhelming and I never know what to give someone else to do until I’m too stressed to think about it.
I love your kideas on how to get everyone involved and helping. Yes dog walking is a must.
I just found your blog. I think we’re going to be great friends!
I would like to make my mission for this Christmas to experience the fullness of Joy in Christ’s coming even in the midst of grieving. I want to sense the anticipation of generations beforehand looking for God’s redemptive ONE. I want to rejoice anew in the fulfillment of HIS promises. I want to celebrate with ALL the King who came to dwell among us, to teach and lead us to the FATHER. I want to celebrate HIS coming again! I think that planning is a GREAT idea for accomplishing my mission. THANKS for all your help!
These ideas are all wonderful!! I come from a large family and we have a large family (9 kids!!!!) so the holidays can get super stressful. I need to get this book to help me have a stress less holiday this year
This is perfect timing! I was just starting to feel the stress of Christmas, as Kathy said, I had already lost my Jesus, and we are in OCTOBER! So, I am trying to live with Grace, and I can’t do that STRESSED OUT. I have four children, and we love Christmas, but I feel like I lead by example, especially as a single mom, and I want to have a meaningful, Heavenly blessed Christ centered Christmas this year. So thank you again Kathy for the ideas, and especially the perspective. It is amazing how God uses to reach so many of us…to reach me. Have a blessed Holiday.
Great ideas! Would LOVE to win this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I come from a family of 10. The holidays are always chaotic. Some of these tips are great! This really brings some sanity to the whole process. Thank you!
Great practical ideas to get real at the holidays!
Thanks for the great advice. Good timing. I am starting to do my shopping for Christmas and been thinking about how to get it all done while keeping my sanity and being a gracious mom and wife!! Getting organized will definitely help maintain my focus!
Yes…. I need to start talking to the extended family NOW about expectations before everyone has a different idea about what the plans are. Thank you for the reminder!
Awesome blog!! Lots of helpful ideas I had never heard before! Especially Prime Pantry and Google Express!! Takes the stress out of cooking!! I always make 5 trips to the grocery store for things I forgot I needed or didn’t know I was out of until I went to start cooking! Thank you so much!!
Good info and thanks for the websites included in today’s blog!
Thank you for this post, Kathi! I appreciate your wise words!
Lots of great suggestions, we have a huge family and this will help this year
I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas time again! Last year we felt like we missed a lot (new baby in NICU), but our family helped us celebrate even if it wasn’t on Dec 25! Wanting this year to be special without adding the stress of “perfection!”
You do offer some really great advice. I love all of your books and would love to win autographed copies in the gift package!!
Great ideas! Thanks so much.
Where have you been all my life? Sooooooooooo glad I stumbled on your blog via Proverbs 31 ministry this morning. I was in the middle of worrying how I was going to pull everything together, again, this year without killing myself. Love all of your tips and excitement. Can’t wait to put them in place. Thanks so much.
I too and hoping for a sacred Christmas. At our Canadian Thanksgiving, I shared with my large family, I won’t be buying large gifts this year, but joining the adult gift exchange. I am hoping to have small meaningful gifts under the tree for adults and will continue to take the younger grandchildren to a community play. Last year as a family we donated $10.00 per person including all 12 grandchildren to charity of their choice, Envelopes provided. It was the highlight of Christmas. With some much need in the world I hope we can increase the giving this year.
Love the blog, thanks for the help in getting organized!
These are great tips! My favorite is the “Help List.” I will definitely incorporate this into my Christmas preparations this year! Thank you so much!!
My family is pretty small so it’s fairly easy to work a lot of things out at the holidays, but even so, some of these ideas are so practical and helpful, I can’t wait to try them out!
Kathy, I need your book this year, more than ever! My divorce was final 9/22/15, and the wheels have completely come off! I am already subscribed to your e-mails, and hope you choose me for your prize packages. You rock!
Thanks for the great ideas! It is not always easy to ask for help because they might not do things the way you would! Really though, does it matter? People are happy to help so I try to let them!
Can I say it? yes, i can… HELP! I love Christmas and I love Jesus and I love family and I want all to harmoniously feel loved during this season. sigh… I need help. Been doing this loving and getting too busy and too stressed thing too long!
Sincerely, I say: HELP with this! I would love to get the help from your book!
God bless!
Stacy Fortenberry
Already loving this. Such good information and inspiration.
Especially like the idea of having a list of things guests can help with. So hard to come up with something on the spur of the moment..
Love the help list, Amazon Prime Pantry, and Google Express. Thanks so much for this awesome advice-rich blog!! Now, I just have to get myself to follow the advice!!
Great suggestions for less stress. It always seems that those last minute “got to have for the Holidays” goodies and desserts are the things that always get me. So grateful for the suggestions. Keep them coming!!!
I am so greatful for these posts about the holidays and less stress! I really, really want to enjoy the holidays this year and spend time with my family. I don’t want to complain and just wish for it to fly by. I’m definitely going to add the idea of a list into my planning.
Awesome idea about elfster! That will be fun
Thank you for the early Christmas and holiday planing tips.
Kathi, THANK YOU!! I love,love,love all of your suggestions. I have problems with crowds too and have used Amazon for the past couple of years but didn’t think about Etsy. And “Signupgenius.com” that is just genius!
Love the ideas! Would love to get the book?
These are some fabulous ideas! Sounds like a fabulous book and one that I definitely need to read!!
Kathi, I have just been introduced to your blog through Glynnis Whitwer and the Wrapped In Grace project (love that title!). I have signed up for your blog and look forward to reading more. Thanks for sharing how you tried to get your heart prepared for Christmas and then poor planning pushed you to “lose your Jesus” — been there too many times!! I like that you recognized that to “keep my head in the right space, …. goes a long way to giving my heart some protection”. It can be such a balancing act. Thanks for some tips to do just that! – Rene’
For the past several years I have dreaded the Christmas season. It is so busy & overwhelming that I just wasn’t enjoying it at all. Thank you for the wonderful ideas. Last year I actually did most of my shopping online which helped a bunch. I hope to put your other suggestions to good use. Maybe I’ll be able to find more joy this season.
I love the practical ideas for ways others can help out…I’m saving that list to refer to! I haven’t heard of elfster, but will definitely put that website to use. Thank you for the wonderful ideas!
Great tips! I love the idea of thinking how I want December 26 to feel like.
Great thoughts. Thanks and God bless. Sondra
Thank you for the awesome suggestions. I am looking so forward to the holiday’s this year. I am looking forward to enjoying family and having a peaceful, Christmas where everyone is happy just being together.
Love the idea of a help list. People always want to help and I am always too flustered to come up with anything!
I enjoy reading your practical tips and suggestions. Thanks for the ideas to make the holidays less stressful.
Thank you for your practical tips. I followed your blog last year and actually had my Christmas cards ready to go early. I appreciate your insight and ideas. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
What great insights. I need to put some of these into practice. Thank you.
This is such a huge help! Thank you for the practical advice and the helpful links!
It really is a struggle for me to keep Jesus in the forefront – which sounds ridiculous when it’s all about Him. I’m sure being more organized in the beginning would be a big help! Thank you!
Great ideas! I’m going to start creating my help list. Thanks for sharing!
Great advice, which I will be putting into practice this year. I have plans to make Christmas cards and I have most of my supplies, and plan on getting the rest by the end of this month. I am making my gift list for my family and I will be doing most of my buying online
Planning for Christmas has been on my heart for the past few days. It’s our first Christmas with two babies and it want to be completely mindful and present this season. Thank you for such wonderful strategy!! xoxo
Love the suggestions to make Christmas easier, and less stressful. This will be my first Christmas without my Mom so I have to find a way to honor her memory and make our first Christmas without her as good as I possibly can for my dad.
Love all the great suggestions. I am starting now planning the holiday activities so I don’t get too stressed. Can’t wait for more ideas from you.
Thank you for writing a book about keeping the stress out of Christmas! Sounds really amazing! As a pastor’s wife of 38 years things can get really crazy this time of year with all the different invites to attend from the many classes and groups at our church. Sometimes my head and heart are spinning with the whole process, not wanting to slight anyone’s attention yet knowing God comes first and keeping all that in prospective is quite a challenge. Also your sons and their families live away from us and trying to be with family during the holidays is always challenging. Praying more than ever that this year I can put some of your ideas to use to clearly remember and follow the reason for the season! God Bless!!
Great advice! Thank you for the wonderful suggestions. I can’t wait to read the book.
This is great information AND wisdom! Thanks so much for the links too!
Wow…I can’t wait to use this and streamline the holidays! 🙂
As I experience the season I make notations in the calendar for next year as to what to do for the next Christmas. For example. Last year after we were set up our large 10′ artificial tree and went to plug er in, only half the lights worked. After spending way to much time trying fix them we decided to go shopping- on a Saturday. Bad idea. So fast forward 10 1/2 months and I’m looking at Christmas trees because I had a reminder that I put on my calendar last year. Doing this saves me time and stress so I can enjoy what is really important. Getting ready to receive the gift of Christmas.
Love your suggestions, especially the thinking early and the help list. Definitely going to put those to use. Your book sounds amazing… I need to cut some stress out of my life and I think this would definitely help me!
Thank you! Great post. Wish I had read this a few years ago, it would have saved a lot of frustration.
Thank you for the advice…I so want to be organized for the season..but often fall short. My mission statement is posted on my fridge, so that it remains in front of me this year. Looking forward to an unstressful Christmas!
Thank you for ideas to keep Jesus Christ in Christmas. One idea to possible add to list, someone to say blessing at meal. Thank you again.
I love the ideas for how guests can help at the last minute! Terrific ideas to start thinking about now.
Thanks for the helpful tips! 🙂
Great ideas. Thanks. Several years ago, I started giving money instead of gifts to my adult children. I really didn’t find that very satisfying or exciting. About 5 years ago, the opportunity for a 6 weeks at the beach presented itself and since we all love beach time, that is now the BIG gift and I can pick up smaller things that I know they will like. I’m looking at your book for couples as a great option for a gift. Everyone likes sparkle in their marriage. Have a wondrous Christmas.
Thank-you for the practical advice. I really like the idea of a mission statement. So often i can lose sight of what is important, it is a good idea to have a place to focus. Thank-you also for admitting it can be as practical as not punching anyone or just surviving 🙂
Thank you for the wonderful advice!!!! Looking forward stress-less holidays this year.
I would be thrilled to have a stress free Christmas season!
All Great ideas!!!!! Thank you for sharing. It always seems to get crazy around the Christmas season no matter how hard I try to plan. So many things to do at home, at church, and socially. Here’s to a stressless Christmas!
I really like the idea of having a list before hand of how someone can help me as I am one to say no, I can do it myself and then wonder why I did not say the yes I needed to say
Great tips! Always trying to do better at celebrating Christmas with family and friends without losing it. Will have to try out your tips! Thanks.
Love these tips!
Loved the Help list — it’s so true — everyone ask and it’s so hard to think at that moment or it’s already done!
Kathi,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I cannot thank you enough for you insight and wonderful suggestions! I’m one of those procrastinators that wait to the last minute and think I can get it all done (by myself with out help!) Your advice and guidance is so refreshing, knowing with some simply steps I can also “Plan the Stress out of Christmas”! I can so relate to “losing my Jesus” you my new friend are a blessing. I thank the Lord for allowing me to find you through Glynnis Whitwer.
Again, thank you so much!
Your new friend, ?
Veronica
And keeping a sense of humor helps! Thanks for the reminder and encouragement!!
Great ideas! Thank you!
I’ve already started trying to schedule both Thanksgiving and Christmas and run into problems. Look forward to reading more about your suggestions. Love what I’ve read already.
Love Christmas season so excited for this series.
I love the idea of using etsy for gifts and the advice of the help list. 😉
Loved the “help list” idea!!! So going to have one of those this year!!!
I am going to try and make every thing easier this year! Great tips for anyone and everyone!
I have my kids make wish lists on Etsy, Amazon, etc. so I can directly link to website and purchase exactly what they want instead of just guessing.
I am known as a perfectionist. I even intentionally left out Christmas tree last year just to be stress free!!! But I now felt I left out Jesus because of that. I know I do not need a tree to acknowledge Jesus…but still. The same with Christmas cards. I stopped doing that. I felt I became a scrooge. I even tried to talk the idea with family not to exchange gifts because no matter what- every year their idea of gifts become more and more expensive. I am at end of my ropes. I need my Christmas spirit back!
Thank you for the real encouragement!
Thank you for your wonderful advice!
Love this blog, some great ideas, would love to read your book!
Great advice!
Thank you for the wonderful ideas especially the help list
I love the practical “help list.” I couldn’t agree more that some planning ahead helps immensely. And this year I’ll check out etsy. Thx for the tip! 🙂
Great organizing and help ideas…I am a planner, but do have difficulty asking for help! Thanks for your encouragement.
Great time savers, thanks.
Thank you for the practical suggestions on thinking backwards and preparing how others can help. Since I am hosting our Thanksgiving celebration this year, I will use these suggestions for planning.
Good tips! I love the list to have ready for when “ready to help” guests arrive!! I have been so deep in prepping that I couldn’t think of one thing for them to help with:) Great idea Kathi!!
I’m not a fan of crowds either! Love your help list idea!!
Would love this!!
Awesome ideas! I’m paying elfster a visit today.
Thank you!
Great ideas! Thank you!
Love any help in preparing for the holidays. Thanks for the great ideas!
Love the ideas! I’ll have to share this with the family, it will be of a lot of help since we always wait till a week or two to get everything organized!!! Thank you so much!!!
Thank you for sharing some thoughtful ideas to stay less stressed at Christmas!
I am a beginner in the “asking for help” category. I have come to the realization that I’m denying someone the opportunity to bless me when I reject offers to help. Your idea of intentionally making a list of chores to share will help me as I recover from being a blessing hogger. Thank you!
Love!!! I am an organizing junkie! I want to be organized and still keep Christ the center of my holiday!! Thank you for your post!!!
Let’s do the holidays organized & less stressed for sure!
Thank you! I LOVE the elfster website…wow, that will be great for our out of town friends. So fun! I have my playlist too…and it goes great until it hits on some slightly obscure artist who does his own rendition of Santa is Coming to Town (courtesy of my DH) and it ruins the mood!!
Great ideas, thank you!
Avoid Walmart. Order online!
Thank you for all the practical advice. I love the “help” list! Fantastic!
I love the part of planning to have a sacred Christmas only to run out of tape! Some really good tips. Going to try implementing the help list. I’m always at a loss when people ask. Also if you do need to go to the grocery store the week or two before Christmas, go as early as possible. I would drop my son off at the bus and head straight there at 7:15. Practically had the store to myself which is good since I wouldn’t want anyone to see me that early in the day;)
Great ideas! I am going to try having a list for people who want to help!
Very helpful suggestions. Thank You!!
Very practical tips that I can see how they would make a world of difference. Thank you!
I really need tone more laid. back during the holidays so that I and my family can enjoy being together without everything being just perfect.
Thank you for these very practical tips for making Christmas a more relaxed, fun and enjoyable time of year! Truly that is what it should be! I need God’s help to not stress, but rather to enjoy the wonder of His amazing gift to us. <3
Using gift bags rather than wrapping boxes also saves time.