Oh yes, I definitely put us before the broader family.

oh I like these ideas – especially blocking out time in my diary!

thank you for sharing your advice with us – off to workout how I can personally destress about the big day!

Very good tips. Now I must make a plan to remember them.

Oh yes I sure do declutter with Xmas and wait with confirming invitations until I’m sure how I feel about going. We don’t have family living here so that makes one point easier.

I agree with the decluttering statement. Christmas should be a time of enjoyment, not stress.

We keep the Christas stockings small, and the meal simple.

Naturally the youngsters like to receive a present but it doesn’t have to be too expensive. I know one family who are struggling. The children sometimes get given pencils etc. that they need for school in the new year as part of their presents. As kids we didn’t have big stockings. They were small ones which usually had knickers, singlets, socks etc and perhaps a few lollies as a treat in them. Apart from something we had asked for we often received new clothes to replace what we were close to growing out of. I know that we both got tricycles, then bicycles when we were big enough to learn to ride them safely. These days we are finding our children think “money grows on trees” and ask for so many things they would never play with or use. Yes, most older people often have everything they need. We often have to give subtle hints in trying to work out something they may need, even if it’s clothing of some type. Or you can make up a goodie box of groceries and treats you know they like but wouldn’t buy for themselves. We can fit more in a box than in a basket. I personally am happy with an annual family photo. I am still deciding our best options for meeting up with immediate family and relatives this year. Some have to work over Christmas. One part of the family follow their ancestory tradition and meet Christmas Eve, some live long distance and we travel to see them on Boxing Day. It isn’t easy pleasing everybody aty busy times of year. Quality time is what we all desire, not slaving away in the kitchen preparing so much food it isn’t eaten, getting overtired and not enjoying the day as much as we should.

I will surely put less emphasis on food. Instead of spending a lot of time in the kitchen, I’d prefer to use the time playing games with my family, going out, watching movies.
Christmas rotates too much around food. And the extra-weight at the end of the season is not always welcome!

I like the declutter the toys and use the money to put towards a holiday or something as a xmas present but kids stil like to receive something to play/read or wear on xmas day.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 06 Nov 2016 , 5:23 am

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  We like to use money for holidays too.

We keep Christmas simple and focused.

Great tips for the party season, it’s definitely the jolly and busy season. All tips are well received at the moment!

I’m not sure that this is really describing a diva. MOre someone very detail oriented.

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  • • declutteringdiva replied
    • 05 Nov 2016 , 2:42 pm

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  Well my biz is called Decluttering Diva, hence the diva reference. Appreciate the feedback though.

A good article and l agree with seeing family and to spread the visits!