[PODCAST 308]: 5 Ways I Am Simplifying The Holidays With STEP This Year Learn | Do

[PODCAST 308]: 5 Ways I Am Simplifying the Holidays with STEP This Year

197 subscribers

published 10h ago

Content provided by Learn | Do | Become. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Learn | Do | Become or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://staging.podcastplayer.com/legal.

Before we jump into the show notes, I wanted to give you a quick reminder to check out the related links (at the bottom of the page) for extra support and resources.

In this episode, I share five things I am doing in my own life to simplify the holidays and use STEP principles to keep things organized, peaceful, and meaningful.

I know that the holidays can feel vastly different for every member of our community, and I want to recognize that in the midst of festive decorations and busy end-of-year schedules, there are sometimes difficult health, financial, mental, relationship, and personal struggles going on behind the scenes. My hope is that you can listen in, take what fits your season, and adapt it in a way that works for you.

(1) Keeping a Small and Meaningful Routines List

One thing that has made a huge difference for me is having a very small Routines List of things that MUST happen each year at this time. Sometimes we do not realize how many routines we already have going on in the background and how that can limit the number of new projects we can realistically take on.

One of my favorite yearly routines is making an ornament for my children. It is something my family did growing up, and it matters a lot to me. I set a calendar reminder in October to remind me to add “Make a yearly ornament with kids” onto my Current Projects List. This helps me not only remember that I want to accomplish this project, but it also helps me not take on too many additional projects during this time of year.

As I go through my Routines List, I try to notice what could be streamlined or delegated and what might not actually be essential. Keeping that list small gives me breathing room so I can enjoy the things that matter most. I usually only keep two to four current projects on my plate at one time, and that has been such a game changer. The whole idea is that when I am realistic with my routines, I can be more thoughtful about what I add in as holiday projects.

(2) Being Minimal With Decorations

This year, I decided to keep decorations really minimal. We have one storage box of Christmas decorations, and in past years I used most of what was inside. But with a two year old who can now reach every surface and a six month old who needs a lot of our attention, I knew that bringing everything out would just create stress for me. It felt so freeing to give myself permission to pull out only a few things. We set up our little nativity, put the wreath on the front door, and added a couple ornaments to the tree. About 70 to 80 percent of everything else stayed in the box.

It felt so nice to look honestly at our season of life and think, “Let’s keep this simple!” Instead of stressing about fragile decorations or how to keep things from getting knocked over, I could just enjoy the small touches we set out. I know a lot of people in our LearnDoBecome community have said they appreciate being given “permission” to simplify, so if that helps you, consider this your green light. You really can tailor the holidays to what feels manageable.

(3) Moving Certain Projects Between “Current” and “In Progress” Lists

Another big part of my holiday planning is our family trip to Utah. Since we live in Iowa, travel is not simple, especially with two little kids. We bought our flights back in July when there was a really good sale, and ever since then, this project has moved between my Current Projects List and my In Progress/Waiting List. It was helpful to keep a digital project in Asana where I could jot down anything that came to mind, from packing lists to ideas of things I wanted to do with family.

I loved having one safe place for all those thoughts. I never felt pressure to finish the whole project at once. I just worked on it when it made sense. When October came, I pulled it back onto my Current Projects List, took care of a few things, and then moved it back to Waiting until I needed to focus on it again. Being able to shift projects around like that has been one of my favorite parts of using STEP. It removes the guilt and pressure that can build up when a project spans several months.

(4) Doing Neighbor Gifts Early

I decided to make simple gifts for neighbors and friends well before the holidays. Part of that was because many people around us travel for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I wanted to make sure we could see them before everyone left. But honestly, another big reason was that I needed a creative outlet. Adjusting to life with two young kids is wonderful, but it has also been demanding, and having a small project to work on felt fun and grounding.

We finished the gifts last week, before Thanksgiving, and it feels so nice to know that they are done. If anyone listening feels “behind” this year, that it is completely okay! You can always make a note for next year to adjust your approach when it comes to planning so that you can work on things a little earlier in the season. Please give yourself grace and know that there is absolutely no expectation to have everything perfectly planned out and finished ahead of time. For example, I was so sick last year while pregnant and dealing with some other serious health issues. The holidays were really hard and it was difficult to feel joyful and excited when I just wasn’t feeling good. Remembering my experiences from last year helped me make peace with keeping things simple this year and focusing on family, health, and gratitude for every ounce of energy and health I have.

(5) Enjoying Free Community Activities

Once we get back from visiting family, we are planning to stay home for the rest of the year and take advantage of the free resources in our community. Our local library has so many fun things going on, including a little New Years party for kids during the day. There are also a couple of church activities and other small local events that we’re wanting to attend. Nothing huge or flashy, but exactly what we need right now. I am so grateful for the people who put these activities together, and I love the idea of showing up to support them while also giving our kids simple and fun experiences.

This whole approach helps us keep the season peaceful and family centered. We are not trying to add more travel or squeeze in extra commitments. We are just leaning into the resources already around us and enjoying time together without the pressure of big plans.

To close, I want to emphasize that I am truly grateful for this community! You are such an important part of everything we are building and supporting here. I would love to hear how you are simplifying your holiday season or what you are planning that feels meaningful to you this year. Your ideas and experiences uplift everyone around you, and I am so glad we get to do this together.