How to Simplify Christmas With the In-Laws

Keep the holiday simple by planning ahead.

Each year, we hope that Christmas will be stress-free so we can concentrate on family and friends. Hosting your in-laws can add stress because of their different holiday traditions. Communicating openly and planning ahead can make the difference between a simple, stress-free Christmas and a holiday disaster.

Instructions

1. Start planning early, even as far as several months ahead. Creating a detailed plan and a budget for food, gifts, events, accommodations and decorations will allow you to delegate and reduce stress as Christmas approaches.

2. During your advanced planning, identify the traditions that are important to your family and to your in-laws and the ones you do not need to include. This will help to simplify without leaving out elements that are important to each part of the family.

3. Create a plan for gifts. There are several ways to simplify gift giving at Christmas, including setting a price limit, only doing presents for the kids or giving all adults the same gift. Secret Santa (where each person who will be present draws a name from a hat and gives only that person a gift) can also simplify gift giving. With a clear plan there may be time to make home-made gifts.

4. Be strategic about social engagements. Accepting every party and get together invitation may add stress and complication to your holiday. Set priorities around social engagements before the invitations come in: How much time do you want to give to different volunteer, family, work, friend and community events? Think about the events that will be the most fun or meaningful for your in-laws.

5. Keep decorations simple. Make cards and decorations with your kids' help. Decide what decorations you can't live without and stop there. It is possible to have a very festive Christmas without elaborate decorations. Try a few well placed tree boughs, candles and a simply decorated tree.

6. Consider going potluck for Christmas dinner. Whether or not you are able to do a potluck, prepare as much as you can ahead of the big day to minimize your time in the kitchen. Chop and par-cook vegetables, prepare pies, desserts and sauces and get the turkey ready to go into the oven several days in advance.

7. Think about ways to reduce your Christmas carbon footprint. Minimize packaging for gifts and food. Use reusable wrapping paper, such as cloth bags. Use natural decorations, such as holly and tree boughs.

References

• Simpliful.com: Five Ways to Simplify Your Christmas; Julia, December 2008.
• Million Dollar Journey: 8 Ways to Simplify Christmas
• Organized Christmas: Simplify Your Holidays