Ah, Christmas. The season of twinkling lights, mulled wine, and Instagram feeds filled with impossibly perfect trees, colour-coordinated gift wrap, and tablescapes worthy of a magazine cover. But if you’re anything like me, the pressure to pull off the perfect Christmas can feel overwhelming.
There’s this unspoken expectation that we should somehow be hosting, gifting, decorating, and eating like a Hallmark movie—all while staying cheerful and unruffled.
Spoiler alert: the pressure of a ‘perfect Christmas’ is not sustainable.
This year, I’m determined to slow things down, dial back the perfectionism, and actually enjoy the season for what it is—a time to connect, unwind, and make memories. If you’re feeling the same, here are some practical ways to take the pressure off and rediscover the joy of a perfectly imperfect Christmas.
Remix Your Traditions
We all have those Christmas traditions that feel carved in stone—whether it’s baking 12 types of cookies or sending out handwritten cards to your entire contact list. But do they spark joy (yes, I’m quoting Marie Kondo)? If the answer is no, it’s time to rethink them. Traditions should add meaning, not stress.
This year, I’m swapping my usual elaborate Christmas baking marathon for a cosy evening making one batch of my favourite mince pies and a gingerbread house with the kids, with a Christmas playlist on in the background. Simple, nostalgic, and far less mess.
Don’t be afraid to create new traditions that suit your current lifestyle. Fancy an evening Christmas walk instead of a sit-down feast? Go for it. This season is about how it feels, and it me, it should feel relaxed, cosy and completely unrushed.
Get Real on Expectations
I get it—we all want the tree to look like it’s been plucked straight out of a Pinterest board. But at what cost?
Instead of striving for perfection, focus on what actually matters to you and your family. For me, it’s all about cosy vibes: warm blankets, fairy lights, and a tree that might not be symmetrical but is full of sentimental ornaments that we’ve collected with the children over the years – or even their wobbly homemade efforts. Real life is messy and charming—lean into it.
When it comes to entertaining, remember that people care far more about how they feel in your home than the level of effort you’ve put into your table decor. A pot of mulled wine, some fairy lights, and good conversation beat a perfectly plated four-course meal any day. We host family on Christmas Eve, and this year my plan is very simply to shred a roast chicken, get some flatbreads from the Turkish bakery, and prep some very simple coleslaws and salads so that everyone can dig in and help themselves. Fuss free and yummy!
Embrace Slow Gifting
Gift-giving is where I used to go into overdrive—lists, spreadsheets, multiple shopping trips, you name it. But in recent years, I’ve adopted a slower approach: fewer, more thoughtful gifts. It’s less about quantity and more about finding something that will genuinely bring joy. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a homemade treat, or a single high-quality gift, this approach has made gifting far more enjoyable—for both me and the recipient.
It’s so easy to go overboard with small children, but the festive magic and being together counts for a lot more with them than we tend to think. This year, we’re ditching the pressure to make each Christmas morning more ‘wow’ than the next and just appreciate what we have a little more, focusing on really personal, much wanted gifts rather than a sea of disposable plastic clutter.
Experiences make amazing gifts. Think theatre tickets, a cooking class, or even a promise to babysit for a friend. They’re clutter-free, memorable, and don’t involve wrapping paper.
Priortise Rest
The festive season has a way of filling every hour of every day with stuff to do. This year, I’m blocking out time in my calendar for rest. That might look like a quiet evening with a face mask and a cheesy Christmas film, or a lazy Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and a book. Whatever it is, it’s non-negotiable. Because let’s face it: no one enjoys Christmas when they’re burnt out.
Work and family life is super hectic at the best of times, but I want to make sure we all really get some downtime this year. I feel so lucky to work in a university, that closes down completely for two weeks, and I intend to really recharge during that time so I can come back fully prepared for a busy January.
Say no to things that drain your energy. You don’t have to attend every party, bake every pudding, or RSVP to every Secret Santa. Protect your peace.
Embrace The Outdoors
When the weather is wintry and not in a good way (here in the UK its currently blowing a drizzy gale, rather than being one of those delicious golden frosty days), it’s so easy to shut yourself up at home staring at a screen. But I really believe that getting outdoors for at least an hour every day is key to my mental health – and my Christmas sanity!
Having our spaniel, Indy, has been a blessing in that it forces us to get out and about, even if we don’t feel like it at first. However grim it is outside, I always feel better once I’ve been outdoors for the day – plus there’s nothing better than coming back to a very extra hot chocolate and some Christmas sweet treats afterwards,
Connection Is What Counts
At its core, Christmas is about people—not presents, not decorations, not picture-perfect moments. Whether it’s a phone call to a loved one, a coffee date with a friend, or just an evening playing board games with your family, these are the moments you’ll remember. This year, I’m putting my phone down, turning off the TV, and being fully present. It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer.
If you’re hosting, invite guests to leave their phones in a basket by the door for a distraction-free gathering. It’s surprisingly refreshing. We don’t need to capture every moment to make amazing memories.
Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect to be magical. In fact, it’s the imperfections—the lopsided tree, the burnt roast potatoes, the last-minute wrapping jobs—that often become the best memories. So, give yourself permission to let go of the pressure and embrace a slower, more intentional way of celebrating. Because the best gift you can give yourself (and your loved ones) this year is a calmer, happier you.
Here’s to a perfectly imperfect Christmas!
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