Can we PLEASE ditch the Pinterest-perfect holiday this year? 🎄 A Stress-Free Guide to Christmas

[@shannonbuck3876]

Thank you. My life is overwhelming right now and I feel like I'm failing as I see all the perfect holiday decor and spotless houses. After using the same old artificial tree for years and fighting with the branches and lights, I gave it away and splurged on a new prelit tree. I kept it under $200. But it is so easy to get caught up in the glamour of it all. I miss the old days when it was more unique to everyone. Now everyone has the same stuff. Simple is the way to go so that you can enjoy your family.

[@therese_grimsdottir]

Love this video, thank you! Our finances are very tight this year, to say the least. So we are focusing on making homemade treats for friends and family as gifts, and we will be driving around the neighborhoods with hot cocoa looking at lights with the kids. Also really trying to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. 😊

[@ThankfulNanaDiane]

We’re empty nesters, & our kids & grandkids live on the other side of the country. It will be just us & the dogs. We’ve simplified our menu, but don’t mind making things that produce leftovers. We love leftovers! As for making Christmas more meaningful, we read Luke chapter 2 from the Bible to remind ourselves of the true meaning of Christmas. It begins with Christ! ❤

[@carolynridlon3988]

We are also empty nesters. We definitely live across the country from any family, so we've started going to little local activities & going out for special meals (since we don't really buy presents - we too old to need much & we're in the retirement home - which is small) experiences are what we consider our gifts to each other.

[@KK-FL]

The dog sitting at the table gave me a good chuckle 😂

[@julietannOsfan1972]

Me too.😀. Olive is such a cute dog.

[@jonhaynie1987]

Great advice! I especially like the part about making Christmas Day about more than just the presents!

[@shannonbrice8012]

Almost a decade ago we started to order pizza or Chinese for Christmas day supper. My family was so turkeyed out by Christmas night they didn't want a large turkey dinner. My family loves this tradition and with my health issues (who knows how I am going to feel one day to the next), I don't have to worry about making a large dinner when I can barely get out of bed.

[@candacethegreat]

I do a scavenger hunt for my kids. I make little small riddles that give them clues of where to look. Each gift has a new clue on it leading to all their gifts. It typically takes at least an hour for the kids to complete and they love it. Before they could read I would draw pictures of where they should look and they would go find them. It made christmas feel really special every year.

[@amanda.c.ice.]

I love this idea!

[@julietannOsfan1972]

Brilliant idea.

[@katiegarland8235]

Christmas is always a big deal in our house and I like buying lots of presents because through the year I really don’t get much because my children are grown now. Something special I did one year when they were in middle school is I gave them a specific cash amount, and I told them that I wanted them to use it to bless others. I wanted their eyes to see the needs of people. And while they have always had the heart of giving, I wanted it to be very specific that particular year. blessing others with what you have is what gives Christmas the special meaning.

[@SusieQZee]

This is such a great idea! Did they buy gifts for their friends, or give to charity? I would love to implement this with my kids every Christmas.

[@janetta5827]

​@SusieQZee I'm curious also who they bought for. Also, were they directed to buy for certain people? I love teaching kids to give instead of always being the receiver.

[@debw7120]

I grew up ALWAYS having a live tree that we either cut down ourselves or dug up ourselves to later plant in our yard. I have such fond memories of hiking back down the mountain with our prize pick of a tree every year. And my parents continued to have a live tree even after they became empty nesters, until they passed in their 70's. My dad continued to cut their tree every year, with the help of my brothers when he got older. There's just something about a live tree and that amazing pine scent, and the making of wonderful, treasured memories. 🤗

[@Lickyknee]

Yes and yes! Red/green pillow covers, switching my photo gallery to Xmas pics, and a beautiful tree. That's it and my teens love it. Plus, take the burden off yourself and go look at other people's Xmas displays in their yards. We'll have a great time walking around Xmas Tree Lane in a neighboring city and none of those decorations live in my garage -- a win win 😊

[@ellenjonasson94]

I love your gifting ideas for kids. That sounds like such a fun, anxiety free Christmas morning.

[@jenm220]

Although it’s more work for me 😊, we started having a Christmas scavenger hunt. My adult kids and their wives love it and look forward to it!

[@janetta5827]

@jenm220 would you mind sharing how you did this? We were just discussing doing this this year, just not sure exactly how. Thank you 😊

[@SimplyBeautiful516]

Oh wow! What does that look like?

[@donnajmartin4188]

I've done similar gift giving guidelines for kids in the past. Something I often do for adults - especially for couple/family gifts is use elements as your guide...Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. For example: Earth - a plant, flowers, some kind of wooden decore item. Fire - a candle, something for the grill, or something that simply that produces thoughts of heat or warmth. Wind - Windchimes, wind socks, fans, kites...things that make you think of or that requires wind to work, or makes you think of wind. Water - a tabletop fountain, floating candles in display container, things used in water like swimming/floating item for the beach or pool. Obviously not everything can be as directly linked, like candles and wind chimes, but just think about the vibe you want your gift to give. I love being able to use themes in gift giving. It makes it more about curating rather than just shopping. 😊

[@chrissyt22]

Last year for Christmas, I cooked my ham in my crock pot(I have a big crock pot). Then later all I had to do was the sides. It was such a huge time saver and made life so much easier. Not sure what I'm doing this year but something easy for sure. And for Christmas morning, I usually make French toast casserole the night before so that I just have to pop it in the oven in the morning. I do make some eggs and bacon as well but it still means less time in the kitchen for me:)

[@heidimeigs5192]

Aren’t crock pots wonderful? 😁

[@amanda.c.ice.]

Every year on Christmas Day my grandma would make lasagne and we would drink Martinellis sparkling apple cider. Such a great memory!

[@bethbranson9050]

Team live tree!!! That is how I grew up and that brings the best memories( smelling evergreen) of a magical time! To this day smelling evergreen trees brings me back to Christmas as a child!! Kallie, you are such a great Mommy!! Your head is on straight!!😉🎄♥️

[@monicakostak9841]

This year I will get out and decorate the trees and mantle along with my handmade quilts pillows and table runners …THEN add maybe a few extra items here and there. This will help in minimizing w/out all the store decor I’ve collected over the years

[@donnalevy4377]

For the lazagna: cook it a day or two before and refrigerate it. Heat it up on the day and it will be easier and neater to cut and serve.

[@amylewis7563]

I feel like the true meaning of Christmas has been lost for years now. It's all about decorating and presents and less about love and family. We have had both real and artificial, I'm team whatever works. We have also streamlined gifts too. Great ideas as usual Kallie. ❤❤🎄🎄🎁🎁

[@valeried2941]

I am older than you and your lovely family..I grew up with a real tree every year So many fabulous and cherished memories and let us not forget the vacuuming of pine needles after! We did eventually turn to an artificial tree and it was beautiful too!

[@clairetitus6904]

Nice job on addressing this issue.

[@melissagirard8661]

My BIL and his family come visit for the holidays every other year and whenever they visit, a lot of time is spent over at my in laws to maximize the time we can spend all together as a family. But, because we have young kids, we will often spend the whole day at my in laws only to come home for supper and then bed for the kiddos. These visits have become one of my prime "meal prep and freeze" events where I'll cook a double meal once a week for the 4-6 weeks before Christmas just so our freezer is fully stocked and I'm not scrambling to cook during these visits. And tbh, I sometimes do this even when they aren't visiting so I can take a "cooking vacation" during the holidays.

[@wandaboutilier2608]

Grèat advice! Our kids are grown and out on their own now with their own kids. They want a traditional Christmas and they want their kids to experience a traditional Christmas too. I love Christmas and all the business that comes with it, but at this stage of my life its too hard to do everything, so i have started roasting my turkey a day or 2 in advance. I cook it, slice it and make the gravy and store in the refrigerator. On Christmas day i wrap the turkey in tin foil with a sprinkle of water and heat it in the oven, and the gravy gets heated in a pot on top of the stove and voila! Ťhis makes life so much easier and the turkey tastes great, it doesn't taste like leftovers!

[@slbaker2219]

A tradition I started years ago with my kids to make the magic last longer on Christmas Day was to do a treasure hunt for the stockings. We had clues that led all over the house and ultimately brought them to their stockings that were all in one place so we have to do the treasure hunt as a family. Nobody can go do their own thing or get ahead of everybody else. One year every kid had a color of yarn to follow, and it led to puzzle piece and everyone’s puzzle piece was needed to make a map of where the stockings were. We started this when our kids were about the same age as yours and now my oldest is 20 and the kids still look forward to the most on Christmas Day.we haven’t had much to spend and I’ve worried that the day wouldn’t be magical and it turns out they love the stocking the most!

[@slbaker2219]

There are free Christmas treasure hunts that you can find online and just print them out and hide the clues accordingly to keep it simple and easy for yourself as a busy mom some years I have used the free ones online and other years I’ve made up my own. Some years I had a newborn or was due with the baby and other years I was not, and I had more energy to be creative in the area.

[@ljannell]

We watch "A Christmas Story" during the day, but I like the idea of making the gingerbread after presents. We usually do our gingerbread before Christmas, but I think we'll try doing it after presents this year. Thanks for the suggestions in this video!

[@sandytaylor2597]

I love the swap idea. That way I can decorate for every holiday. Pot holders, pillow covers and lots of things like that are easy and inexpensive to make

[@murphy1384]

What we started years ago when kids were young & mom wanted to be with everyone opening gifts. We started steaks on the grill with baked potatoes. The men like to grill after gifts are open & the potatoes are in the oven while the gifts are being opened. No fuss & fewer dishes.😊😊

[@pammorschauser2090]

Great advice....thanks for sharing

[@Ljcsoghmomas1227]

We also celebrate the 12 days of Christmas (Christmas Day is actually the first day of Christmas!) Each day we do a fun thing as a family or the kids get a small gift. Examples are: reading holiday books, drive and look at holiday light displays while listening the Christmas music, baking cookies, going to a holiday concert, visiting our local reindeer farm, or playing music together. We fast for 40 days before Christmas from meat and dairy so we wait to do all of our baking and meat eating until the 12 days of Christmas, so good eating is definitely part of the fun of these days!

[@CobbManor2829]

Great advice. I got a lot of my Christmas decor out from the closet the other day and just dreaded putting it all up. I think I'm just going to do the very minimal and not worry about decorating every room and every available space in a room this year like I usually do. Maybe next year I'll feel more like it. I grew up always with a real tree but have had an artificial one for 24 years now. Less mess.

[@karenrobbins4622]

I gave up sending Christmas cards & family newsletters when my kids were little. It was too much stress and they just get thrown away anyway!

[@sweethoney9292]

Love this! Doing this with just me & my dogs this year🤗 this gave me good ideas thank you!💡 ❤️

[@BallroomJenni]

I grew up with a real tree, but currently just do a faux. One year with a newborn I only put lights on the tree and bought a pack of foam ornaments for my 2yo to decorate and place all over the tree wherever her heart desired 😅

[@LisaCook-m2e]

For Christmas breakfast, we have always made a tradition of having sausage biscuits for Christmas morning.

[@alishabohnert776]

I grew up with an artificial tree but my husband grew up getting real trees so we have adopted that tradition into our family. I totally agree with cooking things ahead of time as much as you can! It really helps. I am a Church musician which means that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day can be stressful so one thing we do is to have brunch on Christmas Eve morning while we listen to lessons and carols live from King's College Cambridge.

[@flychickadee]

Growing up, our holiday meals were either spaghetti or taco bar. Now that I'm an adult I see how brilliant this was for my parents to do... and so many fun memories came out of the meals!

[@SusieQZee]

We found a bird’s nest in our live tree one year when I was a kid. We bring it up every year when we look at our tree. We get a live one every year. One of our only traditions.

[@deloreshall5459]

Thanks Kallie. You remind us of the true meaning of CHRISTMAS🤶🎅🌲🧑‍🎄🎁

[@tammibeyer7225]

Same! Christmas tree, real and new stockings for everyone ❤

[@theresamoser2432]

We celebrate Christmas the weekend before Christmas with my son and his family they have so many other places on the 24&25. We have had Christmas Lasagna for the last 2 yrs and are having this years also by request from my daughter n law. Then me and my mom have steaks baked potatoes salad and wine on Christmas just us

[@faithcrisis2138]

We're moving this month while I'm very pregnant this year, so we're just doing a tree, some outdoor lighting (that's the husband's thing) and our vintage Christmas village

[@anniebourne7143]

Beautiful. I'm a Nana, mom of 5. Christmas is about memories, not stuff. We make cookies and movies with grand babies. When kids were little, we made snow flakes, ornaments & snow fights. The morning of was pancakes or cinnamon rolls. One year, we decided to have a large sub for dinner, so we didn't have dishes.

[@rebeccabaradas7699]

I grew up with no tree at all! It was sad but at the same time it made me see that side!😜

[@StarKirtman]

My ex-stepmother and my biological mom goes all out for all holidays. Me not so much I'm more like my dad and don't really decorate for any holidays. Here in my home we watch whatever holiday it is movies and during Christmas and birthdays we give simple usable gifts that's how we keep it simple. During Christmas, we do make cookies and leave them on a Christmas tray with a cup of milk for "Santa" and we wear Christmas pj's to bed

[@mariar2576]

I grew up with real trees. We would go together and get the tree. That was one of our traditions and when I got married, my hubby and I would go. Over the past 5 years or so my hubby does not want real trees anymore so we did get a fake one. It is beautiful but I really miss the real tree, it was part of the lead up/tradition and I really do miss it! Happy Holidays everyone!!

[@michelleneuman579]

Wise words!

[@lynnew6959]

Real tree here. It’s so much fun and the grands expect it now!

[@janicelabuda8540]

What great ideas and suggestions-thank you 🎄🎄

[@debbiepowell1980]

I grew up with a real tree. I'm getting a real tree this year for the first time in years. Thank you for your helpful tips!

[@shielalotspeich4398]

we used to get a real tree until we realized family members were getting sick during the Christmas season from the strong smells - turns out lots of allergies, so switch to artificial tree. we always decorate the Friday after Thanksgiving because of all the December activities that arise. One thing we started with our family was - give each child a Christmas ornament and some cash. then when that child created their own home - they got to take all their Christmas ornaments with them. It made gift giving much easier and each of the children enjoy putting "their" ornaments on the tree. would use a marker and put their initials on the bottom of the ornament so we could remember who owns that ornament.

[@lyndanickerson1373]

I barely like putting up a Christmas Tree! The earliest that we put up the tree is around my Birthday around December 3.

[@debbiesimo6074]

All great ideas

[@klarafielder7616]

When i was young, my family would go to find a tree and saw it down. Once it is cut down, dad would lay down, and we would put the tree laying across him and take a photo with him. It was a tradition for my family, and we kids loved it.

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

Real tree from our property when I grew up on a farm. Fake tree as an adult.

[@JT-st7xz]

I don’t get any pressure fr social media. I love looking at everyone else’s decor, it doesn’t make me feel any less. The pressure this year is coming from my 7year old’s winter activity list 😂😂they aren’t asking for presents this year but rather, they want to do ALL the activities. Which I’m 100% for. I know next year may be a lot harder to coordinate I’ll have 4 kids spaced similarly to your kids), so I’m trying to help my 7yo and 4yo knock out their Christmas/winter to do list (they made it on their own)

[@jenniferalphin1653]

I love your videos!!! So natural and smart.. queation? You in the video have a pasta attachment for your kitchen aid. Which one do you have and do you like it? The actual KA one is really pricey... but there are truckloads of knock offs on amazon... just curious. And... thank you!!

[@victoriasugent6288]

I love your idea to “swap it out” on you decor!

[@deanatrail9695]

Real tree always. The Best.

[@sunnyside2656]

Thank you!!!!❤

[@vickigonya9432]

I have an artificial tree and use scented candles or hang the little evergreen scented sticks in it. .😊 Im all into Japandi this year

[@PinkGrammarGirl]

For me, I just have to stop fighting my nature: I am not someone who can decorate all fancy, even though I want to be. If I can just let go of having that special vibe, I will be happy. We are going to get year-round lights to use for various holidays to save time, and this year we are buying our meal from Bob Evans.

[@maggiebates3941]

Allergic to every real tree so it’s fake tree for us! I’m simplifying a lot this year too.

[@seekingrefuge7x70]

A live tree. If money is tight, I choose among the cheapest available. With lights, even the saddest looking tree looks great.

[@jenniferflannery764]

OLIVE!!❤

[@PinkieJoJo]

I am reducing my decor little by little every year. It has just gotten to be way too much since my boys are older and don’t care anymore (well at least they don’t care enough to help). Plus my house although a little bigger is laid out in a way that just doesn’t have some of the spaces I used to have for things. It’s hard to get rid of things I’ve collected over the years but I’ve been doing it.

[@nataliesutherland5584]

I'm thinking about going minimal also

[@vickidewar6500]

We had live trees growing up and with my late husband. Second and third marriages fake trees. Yikes. As long as there's tiny blinking lights in color, I guess it doesn't really matter.

[@joannehickok4653]

oh we did real trees. Until my mom got allergic to them. So high school on was fake. Yup only do towels and shower curtains

[@afolsom685]

Good on ya!❤

[@gracemonkey2393]

We decorate with 3 inch tree and a wreath for the front door. That’s all

[@carolynridlon3988]

For my hubby & I, it's just our Christmas tree, a Santa and two reindeers from my childhood, a wreath on the door & a small nativity decor item (one piece - small enough to fit on a small table) -- simple & still brings memories!

[@ingrid2543]

We always had a real tree 🌲

[@laras4919]

The reason I don't like Christmas is because of all the money you are expected to spend on gifts, decorations, the tree, the meal and on and on. Thank you for this reminder video

[@ktrayan1]

There was barely any decor when I had a baby three thanksgivings ago lol nooooo way

[@yvonneloveland4214]

❤💯 I do this and I love the ideas as well

[@Ljcsoghmomas1227]

We have a fake tree but my kids love real trees. We rotate every other year we get a real tree. The year we save money by using the fake tree we use for a fun holiday outing instead. Real trees are like $80-$100 over here- even cutting your own at a tree farm.

[@latashajohnson373]

Info on the laptop & cell phone holder, please. Thank you!

[@teressagoldstein3769]

I’m 65 and growing up we always had a real tree. If you had a fake tree it was a silver one. I’m married and in beginning we had a real tree. Then we switched to a fake tree because of the cost of a real trees. Take care.❤

[@heiditate6989]

I swap out instead of adding Christmas decor so that I cut down on the clutter. I get too overwhelmed if I add.

[@kbencsik1]

I'm turning 70 on Saturday. I just don't have the energy for it all anymore. We've always had a natural tree but I'm thinking it's time for a fake one.

[@susanhenley8240]

Real tree. They're the best in the Northwest! Always swap, never add. And most importantly, remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

[@roxannebudd1978]

Can you please me where to find those clips you used on the towels on stove handle?

[@Lgaucker123]

We had both.. the main tree was real and then the dining room was fake 😊

[@Gaga2311-ko2ii]

Aaaaammmmeeeeennnnn

[@sheilagarrido8204]

❤

[@ingrid2543]

I swap out the most visible items.

[@LindaDowling-hf2vz]

Real tree

[@BKBarb]

Real tree all the way.

[@lanaiasimon4195]

We always had a real tree but got it from our own property.

[@denisejones1863]

I don't understand the purpose of Christmas if it is not the Birth of Christ. It becomes more of a day to just be with family. I do think gift giving needs to be more simple and not the focus. Now my children are grown and haven't time for me, I like spending time just with my husband and keep it focused on being thankful.

[@AnnWarycka-ft2xw]

We had a real tree

[@debiwillis9045]

I love my decir, but then my bil that lives with us adds his and it is a hot ass mess that makes my eyes go crazy. I love decorating, hate shopping and so there for I wish no gifts were involved. We limit the amount we spend and only give to grandkids.

[@donnaknowles-ni8fg]

real tree...

[@lynnescaddan8919]

We ONCE had a real tree but too much mess. So now it's fake.

[@nancyfeeser4653]

Fake tree… not as messy, I’ve had both

[@teresahechenbleikner2080]

Artificial due to bronchial issues with son.

[@cecilhudson1583]

I think so many people are paring down and simplifying Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season. Not tons of gifts and your house looking like Christmas threw up in it.

[@kimwaknitz7594]

I’m sorry but I feel like you’re telling people what to do and feel about the holidays.

[@jonhaynie1987]

It's an advice channel. If you don't like the advice, feel free to do your own thing. I highly doubt anybody who liked this video will judge you for making your own decisions.