4 powerful ways to reduce holiday stress even if you're still in the decluttering process

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Check out this month's mega motivation playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLZ-AWUEixtg1FHAOqmwqp7btI4L1Wvw88

[@momof2momof2]

When it comes to Christmas I am not a minimalist in any way , shape of form lol. It is a time when I pull out all of the joy. My children are adults now and Christmas has changed over the last few years. I still decorate to the hilt, and we still do the holiday activities etc. the amount of gifts has been greatly reduced to a few, but we will always do the stockings :) I don't make the huge Christmas dinner any more (we go out to dinner ) but I do like to do a holiday party, and am already planning this years. I make some cookies and fudge, we make gingerbread houses, ...most of what we have always done, just on a much smaller scale. Happy Holidays everyone. Jesus is the reason for the season :) 🥰🍂🍃🍁🦃🌬️🌛🧡💗✝️

[@itoshiibaka8267]

My best tip is to pick one large decoration instead of a cluster of smaller ones. It takes me less time to put up one giant wreath than it does to cover a mantel with smaller items. But whatever you do, just do what brings you joy. No more, no less.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Excellent tip!

[@francesrevetria8914]

Love your clear communication talk. My husband and I have learned the hard way how hinting can go wrong. We try to be more frank with each other and our close friends. Hope to raise our future children that way 🙏

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That's great Frances! Some people just give up instead of trying to change, so that's wonderful you both are figuring it out! It's so hard to change, but once in the habit of being clear, it makes life so much simpler! ❤️

[@mildredvoll5937]

I decluttered my Christmas box and tree 2 years ago. I have a wreath.

[@jimandmaureensheil3048]

That is a great color for you!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you! 😊

[@liveandl8ve]

Decorations: Only buying natural add ins this year like gourds for the a Thanksgiving or poinsettias which I eventually get rid of. No storing stuff. Totally right to only display what you love. I'm also stocking up on ingredients for family recipes so no last minute errands to the store. Good ideas about gifts. I'm just putting things in gift bags so no wrapping. Thanks for this video❤

[@mrsmoore1567]

I love your tradition of making ornaments with the family! That time spent with your kids are memories that will last a lifetime.

[@hanneshuette]

Such wholesome truths, clearly presented. Thank you 🙏🏻 I personally found traditions around Christmas painful because of the painful memories around them. So, a couple of years ago, I ditched them all and approached Christmas differently. After a couple of years of this freedom I actually find I have developed a couple of new traditions that work for me and which I actually look forward to! I now look forward to a totally quiet Christmas on my own. No special food, no presents. I will decorate the house if I feel in the mood to do so and if not, then not. I rescue a Christmas tree from a local plantation - there is inevitably at least one tree every year that gets felled and then left behind - usually because it doesn't look "perfect". And again, it will be decorated in which ever way I feel I want to. I so agree with your approach of letting go what it stressing you and think it is great that you give your viewers to stop the cards for example - if just one person out there finds the courage to do so this year, then your efforts were certainly worth it! Freedom to be yourself is so so valuable 🧡

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you Jane! That's lovely that you have found things to look forward to! ❤️

[@jeannebowes2898]

That color is beautiful on you! Most of our decor is natural materials since we live in the mountains of Montana. Goes on the compost or out for the birds after the holiday season. I once made a lot of paperMoravian stars years ago that are dipped in wax and reuse every year. I dry orange slices , make peanut chains and popcorn chains for the birds later. I work on these every November in the evening and Alan plays Christmas music( he plays the organ). We have hot cocoa and tea. We are senior seniors so life is slower and simpler now.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you Jeanne! That sounds like a wonderful season! What mountains are you in? My parents are at the base of the Snowy mountains. 😊

[@jeannebowes2898]

@@Nourishingminimalism So many! We can see The Blue mountain range out one window and the Missions out the other! We like the Alpine style trees for our Christmas celebration., holly clippings, my sons send me boxwood and magnolia from MD/VA.

[@karenbochinski]

This is soooo excellent and well said. I put up my knitted and handwoven christmas items. I enjoy looking at them. I have gotten rid of a lot of Christmas stuff. I like a simplified Christmas. I do not baking at all of sugar stuff. I am on a keto diet and rather not have that stuff in my life. Also if you enjoy doing all this Christmas stuff and are not stressed go for it. I never got in that trap of Christmas gifts. I feel if it does not spark joy to give a gift then do not give it. I would be sad if someone found it stressful to find a gift for me. I rather to have their presence than presents. Also children make Christmas the best.

[@LorreneRomanic]

Years ago, when my son was at an automotive school (18 months straight; only major holidays off) - and a few months away from getting married -- we decided to take the week of Christmas and go to our favorite beach for the whole week. It was our last chance to take a "just us" family vacation before he got married. After that, it became such a lovely tradition - of course his wife started joining us the next year, and then her parents a year to 2 later. I love this tradition so much!! We missed a few years ago because my late husband was in the hospital, and then 2020 due to uncertainty of covid. But we'll be going again this year. I can't wait! Most years I don't even put up a tree, and gifts are minimal since we're going to the beach, after all - and we're all ok with it 😁 Years ago, I started ONLY decorating with snowflakes & snowmen, because I can leave them up until March if I want to, since we get snow until March ❄⛄

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

Many years ago, in our previous home, we stored our Christmas decor in our huge attic. Access to the attic was via pull down stairs in the spare bedroom, which at some point became a catchall space. One year there was so much going on in life that room was neglected and overflowing. The tree was stored in the garage, so we put it up and I decorated it with the straw hats and flower pics that were my home decor at the time. It was unique and beautiful. The next year I decorated the tree with my teddy bear collection. Then my porcelain dolls. Then my angel collection. I had a different theme every year for a few years. It was fun and a creative outlet. We eventually went back to traditional ornaments and too much being stored. I think we have 25 bins. Much of it hasn't been used in years...decades even. This year, I am decluttering!!!

[@abbyh.593]

I'm nervous about the holidays this year. I have a 15 month old and there's been deaths in the family. I want everything to be simple and stress free this year.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

❤️ I'm sorry. It can be hard to go through the holidays after loosing loved ones.

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

This will be a tough year, and I’m sorry for you. You seem to have a good plan formulating. 🙂

[@abbyh.593]

@@TheDriftwoodlover thank you 😊

[@abbyh.593]

@@Nourishingminimalism It is, when I lost my dad several years ago the holidays were very rough.

[@amiehegeman]

I love this! I used to do only edible Xmas decor (candy canes, etc) and we would eat thru it by the end of the season. Lol!

[@tammystegall5130]

We have 5 children and we are getting a cabin in mountains and that's our gift too all and I'm so thankful I don't have to go and shop ! And I'm thankful to be spending good quality time with our family ! And our firstborn and only grandchild . Great video !

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That sounds so nice Tammy!

[@danassimplelife5046]

You are spot on! It took me many years of dreading the holidays. Because of my expectations of what I thought of how things were supposed to be. How much stuff I needed to decorate and how long it took to decorate, and clean, and cook and work all this around my job. Until I finally came upon watching videos on U tube about living with less, minimalism. I feel blessed and happy and calm.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That's wonderful!! ❤️

[@conniesoares157]

I decluttered many Christmas decor a couple years ago after taking days to set up stuff and hating the items when I put them away. Now I may be more than 10 minutes, but it is easy out and easy clean up after Christmas! Thanks for all your great ideas!

[@lifefromthefischtank976]

It is the first time watching your video, but thank you for reminding me that it is ok for teenagers to be grumpy and that they still remember it being fun and magical. I have a hard time getting into the spirit of our traditions when my teenagers seem so mad about doing it. You have given me the courage to keep pressing forward and to know that it still matters to them even if they don't exactly act like it is.

[@amandadavis5658]

Thanks for the reminder that we don't have to be perfect!!! Great video!!!

[@donnagrant950]

I have grown very fond of you. Your ideas are quite helpful to me. Thank you for your well thought out talks. I look forward to them 😊

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@WhitneyAbrina]

I always hate putting up a tree bc i need to move things to make space for the tree but my 8yr old really wants one so I do it.

[@ginamommy]

Great video! I love that when you were talking about perfectionism you stumbled over the word perfect and you didn’t edit it out! Very appropriate since you were talking about not trying to be perfect. 😆

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

I love the choices you made regarding which traditions to keep and which ones to let go of. We have always gone to family gatherings for the holidays (we don't have kids), but due to the pandemic, last year we stayed home. I cooked our holiday meal for the first time in our 45 year marriage. I'm not a cook, but I can cook the things we like. Our meal was not the traditional holiday meal, but it was what we each wanted. I prepared some of it the day before. No stress. I actually enjoyed doing it. So much so, that I told my hubby I wanted to do it that way again next year, which is this year. So that may be our new tradition. Home for the holidays. Plain and simple. We didn't have many gifts because we couldn't go shopping. It was great. I want that again this year. Maybe next year I'll want family gatherings again, but for now, I just want home with my hubby and my pets.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That's wonderful Mimsie!! Covid has been challenging, but it has also brought about some good changes as well.

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

@@Nourishingminimalism My first video premiered this morning at 10. 😊 It's so fun to learn something new.

[@sw1679]

Expectations!!! Communication!!! Thank you so much, this is such a helpful talk

[@cherylreed4377]

I love the traditions you still do- so special🌲❄️

[@GradKat]

I certainly agree about expectations. TV ads and the like help to set our holiday expectations unreasonably high. It was hard for me to learn to think of Xmas day as “just another day”, but once I’d done that I found that I could actually relax and enjoy myself, instead of rushing around trying to make everything (and everyone!) “perfect”. Re decorations, I don’t have many round the house, but I do have a huge, heavily decorated tree. One year I decided to go for a minimalist tree - which was basically a giant twig with teensy tasteful baubles on it (copied from a magazine). After a couple of days I couldn’t stand it, and dragged the Xmas tree and a million decorations down from the attic to have my “traditional” tree back again. I do think it is fortunate that you have your family on side in your approach to the holidays. Sometimes it is the families who insist on outmoded traditions, even though not helping with any of the prep themselves!!

[@evelynserrano9609]

Thank you for sharing! I get overwhelmed when the holidays come! this video was for me! It's time to eliminate and enjoy the holidays!

[@seaglasskaz6314]

Couldnt agree more. I've put so much stress on myself over the years, big party for family on boxing day, which I used to dread. All day cooking and preparing!!!! No more. I love your way of thinking, you do the things that really matter!! Have a happy and peaceful Christmas. Best wishes from England 🇬🇧🙏 xx

[@GoingGreenMom]

Totally agree on communication with kids! Even having the heads up really helps them wrap their heads around it before the times come!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Yes!

[@MinimalistHome]

What a special family tradition! I LOVE this!! Great video! Love this collab!

[@loiscampbell3510]

I love that skinny tree! I've wanted one like that for years. I totally agree that most of us have a tendency towards setting unrealistic expectations when it comes to how much we can physically manage in our efforts to make the holidays perfect. It's beyond time to give yourself permission to drop superfluous activities that are time consuming and costly. Devote your time and energy in things your family hold dear.

[@lyndysimpson1272]

Hi could you do a video on how to fold the paper and make a snowflake I don't know how but I absolutely love your tree and the Snowflake and I would like to duplicate the snowflakes thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

Now that I’ve done so much decluttering, I’m going to enjoy putting up my small tree. I need to downsize more ornaments and plan to in the next two weeks so maybe someone can enjoy them this year. Great perspective Rachel!

[@goodbyeblueskykr]

Saludos desde México!! Thank you for your videos!!! 😍

[@jennywoods9122]

This is my favorite video you’ve done! Thanks for being real. I also liked your video style.

[@delnayr4601]

Some great advice here! I totally agree with you about hinting! Always told my kids that. Nothing makes me not want to hand a kid something more than having them hint that they want it. And the grumpy teenagers part is great! As long as mom doesn't get grumpy it will probably be remembered as a good time. I remember the year that one by one we admitted we hate stringing popcorn. It was so funny. Everyone was doing it for everyone else. It has been such a relief to drop that tradition!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😁 too funny!! Glad you got it all sorted out! I tried stringing popcorn once - so tedious!! Whew!

[@nancedavis5649]

This video's highlight for me was when you played the scene from Fiddler on the Roof to illustrate your point on TRADITIONS. You blessed my heart, giving me a huge smile that hasn't let up yet! Thank you! (I really liked everything else you said too! But that was the best!)

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Yay! The songs in that movie are so memorable! ❤️❤️

[@uzmaijaz7821]

O my goodness what an interesting, motivational and amazing video thanks Rachel Darling

[@lindaroyal8161]

I stopped sending Christmas Cards and an annual letter, years ago. I decided, we, friends & family are all on Face Book and interact with each other often, so no cards; others have followed suit. And, not more stress of getting the annual letter done, that most don't take the time to read. I do post a "Tis' the Season" photo or Holiday Picture everyday in December to add some cheer or humor. No longer participate in Gift Exchange with family, we're all older with grown kids and don't really need anything. My daughter, an adult in her own home for many years, doesn't need anything. We give each other practical gifts, like that special bag of coffee that we wouldn't buy for our self or use daily, special coffee. We still do stockings because that is one of our traditions. I only do a small table top tree, so have less ornaments and it still feels festive. I like it being a lot more simple, less stress is a good thing!

[@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol]

I just found you and I am so glad I did. Actually you just popped up in my suggested videos. I love your message. We all want that perfect Norman Rockwell Christmas and truthfully I don't know if anyone has it. Once I quit trying to achieve it, and gave up things I didn't need to do, I have had much less stress.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Yes! ❤️ and I’m glad to have you here!

[@joelandstephanieg3574]

The soap box!! 😂 Great tips!!

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😁 Thanks!

[@lindseyhetu1109]

LOTR is the best tradition ever! We are going to do that now, thanks!

[@babytexan3038]

You're awesome, Rachel! I'm so glad to have you as a mentor.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

🥰 Thank you!

[@CammyHell]

I love your common sense and practicality and frankness. You’re amazing.

[@michelleneuman579]

Well Said!

[@AmandaBaias]

I appreciate your input on working with teenagers. I have two on my hands and a third one quickly approaching that stage of life. It meant a lot that you spoke about their attitude and the expectations involved.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thanks Amanda! My older boys are 12 mo and 16 mo apart, so it felt like we were in the teen stage for so long. But it seemed so important to make sure they weren't having to guess/tiptoe/struggle through my expectations while they were learning to navigate everything else in life and figure out who they were. ❤️

[@juliekatayama5282]

Your bread looks fabulous!! 😋 Thank you for sharing. I have been slowly letting go of expectations. It has made the holidays a lot more enjoyable.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thanks Julie! So glad to hear that! ❤️

[@DonnaCookAuthor]

Wow, such great advice about teens. I wish somebody had told me that five years ago, lol. Also, we are a LOTR family here, too! :-)

[@HereWithJesus]

I also downsized my Christmas decorations to the items I absolutely LOVE (like a hand carved santa that a friend of my husband's made some years ago and a lovely music box with winter cardinals that plays "Joy To The World". Of course, we have our tree and some carefully curated ornaments. I feel festive without feeling overwhelmed! Oh and...I did ALL of my Christmas shopping this past Sept and ALL of the gifts are wrapped and ready to go! Bring on the dancing elves and Christmas cookies lol!

[@liap1293]

Very well said!

[@ChrisSaenz13]

So helpful thank you!!!💜

[@sherrielouks419]

This is a great video--great advice all the way through, and I love your family traditions!

[@julietannOsfan1972]

I'm single & live alone but still put loads of decs up at Christmas. It takes me a few days to put them all up but I still enjoy it, especially when they're all up. I don't understand why others who also live alone, or empty nesters, don't put decs up. Christmas cards with pictures on them seem to be a big thing in the US. Here in the UK we just buy boxes of cards from card shops etc. Just curious, do you do Father Christmas in your family? One traditon we have in my family is that we open our pressies after dinner. Even tho I spend Christmas Day on my own I still do this & to me it adds to the fun. I've done this since I was a child & could never break this tradition. Another important one is to watch the queen's speech every year.

[@williamhofmans3763]

hi Julie, well, Im "butting it" to answr Q re. Father Xmas. In our US home, weve decided that telling our children lies when theyre young, then hvg to to tell truth later seemed pointless and even disturbing...a male "god like" stranger coming into your home to leave gifts? why be mystical? instead in our home its loving parents being the ones who give and are thanked for it by our little ones: family lovingkindess & Christian values employed. Besides, if theres wisdom in teaching children to "dont talk to strangers", why an exception in Winter? t...encouraging even forcing pictures with, sitting on laps if strange men as father christmasses?? Bizaare if you ask me.

[@Nourishingminimalism]

We don't do Father Christmas/Santa, though we do joke that "Santa" fills the stockings, but I've always told my kids it's just a make-believe game we play, like the tooth fairy. It's so great that you've found ways to make it special and enjoyable for you, I think that's what's important- to have things to look forward to and appreciate. ❤️

[@terricarver4873]

Excellent video! ♥️♥️♥️

[@lisaann6267]

i love to decorate for the holidays, but my arthritis is getting in the way. so each year i have begun to decorate less to what i can handle. a few tables and my outside ledge, bells on the door. i dont have kids. i go my sisters for Christmas day. and she also has reduced. especially the amount of food. she had i are both type 2 diabetic. so we cant eat what we use to. she fixes the smallest turkey, small amount stuffing, mashed potatoes'/gravy. & home made cranberry orange. and sparkling apple cider. i help clean kitchen, my BIL washes dishes, my nephew dries. then we watch the Christmas story movie. LOL

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That sounds like a lovely calm day! ❤️

[@bonniewoodard2771]

Brilliant ! S i m p l y brilliant :) thank yoU !!! XO

[@angelacross2216]

This was so good. I’m definitely going to listen to it again.

[@gabriellecontino5176]

You look adorable today.

[@lynncrum]

I takes me at least two months to put out all of my Christmas decorations and about a month to put it all back but I love every minute of it. I usually have at least five large trees and about 20 large totes of other Christmas decor.

[@PlainVanillaGrandmaCarol]

I would love to see your home all decorated for Christmas!

[@bridgetmcgrath3964]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Nourishingminimalism]

Thanks so much for the love Bridget! ❤️

[@RhondaTowanda]

Oh my gravy! I am scared about the holidays! I want to keep it simple. I’m scared about the More Stuff coming in! Yikes!😬😬😬

[@Medicinewomannaturals]

Since I walked away from toxic abusive family members I really don't have much holiday stress anymore lol. Our Christmas is small and just me my son and his Dad. We don't travel. We don't socialize and we just enjoy each other. No gifts to buy for extra family members. We made new memories together. I have made beautiful decorations out out pine needles hung on a string in the house. Most of my childhood decorations have been broken and destroyed cause you know kids and pets lol. I've tried making paper snow flakes but forgot how to make them lol

[@Nourishingminimalism]

That definitely helps calm things down! Glad you were able to do that. ❤️❤️

[@AmandaBaias]

Also, we love the LOTR trilogy...extended of course.

[@hanneshuette]

Soap box 🤣

[@Nourishingminimalism]

😁

[@AdventuresofEmilyandLily]

Christmas is a pagan holiday... Better yet no decorations and celebrate Jesus