Ten Ideas for a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Sure, you love the holiday season--but just not so much of it! This year, it's time to simplify your holidays and celebrate the season.

Question is, just how do you do less--and enjoy it more--during the Christmas holiday season?

If you're aiming to simplify Christmas, take time to ponder ways to cut stress, save money and tame over-the-top traditions. Setting simplicity strategies in place now will keep you from being swept up in next month's holiday madness.

Get armed! Try these ten simple strategies to calm holiday chaos and rein in the seasonal overkill this year:

10 Simplicity Strategies for a Stress-Free Christmas Season

• Prune the to-do list. Ask, “If I don’t do this, what will happen?”

• Cut the gift list. Limit gifts to children only, draw names, or organize a gift exchange.

• Wrap as you go. Sticky notes will help you keep track of gift contents.

• Buy, don’t bake. Who needs long hours in front of a hot stove?

• Scale back décor. Substitute a simple door wreath for outdoor lighting, a tabletop tree for the over-the-top tannenbaum.

• Cut the clean-a-thon. Focus cleaning attention on kitchen and public rooms; private areas can slide til season’s end.

• Downsize dishwashing. Hand-washing fine china is nobody’s idea of a good time. Simpler still: paper plates!

• Finger food, not feast. A smorgasboard of tasty tidbits is easier on the cook and kinder to the waistline than a sit-down dinner.

• Stay home! Cuddling down close to the hearth beats holiday travel any day.