Declutter Before You Decorate: The Quick Fixes

Before you break out the tinsel, tackle these simple decluttering zones to make your space feel festive and functional:

• The entryway: Make room for boots, coats, and all the Amazon packages that are about to show up. A cute basket for hats and gloves works wonders.
• The mantle: Clear off old knick-knacks to make space for stockings, garlands, and twinkle lights.
• The “holiday drop zone”: Designate a corner for wrapping supplies and incoming gifts—it’s the secret to staying sane.

Hack: If you’re drowning in decor from years past, donate what you don’t love to someone who will.

“Lazy Mom” Holiday Treats That Wow

You don’t need to channel your inner pastry chef to create festive treats everyone will rave about:

• Peppermint Pretzel Snaps: Dip pretzels in melted chocolate, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and let them set. Easy, delicious, and totally giftable.
• Snowy Cereal Clusters: Mix crispy rice cereal with white chocolate and toss in mini marshmallows. Spoon into clusters and let them harden—like a snowball you can eat.
• Reindeer Bark: Spread melted chocolate on parchment paper, top with red and green candies, pretzel “antlers,” and candy eyes. Break into pieces once set.

Pro tip: These are perfect for snack tables, gift bags, or midnight munching (we won’t tell).

Reclaim “Family Time” with a Festive Twist

The holidays are busy, but a little creativity can make family moments magical:

• Nightly Story Countdown: Wrap 24 books (holiday-themed or not) and open one each night to read together. Bonus: It doubles as bedtime procrastination!
• Cozy Campfire Night: Light up the fireplace (or some candles), make s’mores, and play a game like charades or “guess the Christmas carol.”
• Holiday Dance Party: Blast your favorite holiday playlist and dance with the kids. It burns energy, keeps everyone laughing, and doubles as exercise.

Why it’s worth it: These moments are the ones your kids will remember most—and so will you.

Easy Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer (That Aren’t Gifts)

Make this season about kindness and connection with these simple gestures:

• Hot Cocoa Drops: Surprise your neighbors with single-serve hot cocoa kits (hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and a candy cane, tied up in a bag).
• Send Gratitude Notes: Write short thank-you cards to teachers, delivery drivers, or anyone who made your year brighter.
• Host a Toy Swap: Gather friends and trade gently used toys your kids have outgrown—it’s a win-win for everyone’s budget.

Mom win: These ideas cost little time or money but pack a big feel-good punch.

Here’s to kicking off December in style—your style. Next week, we’ll dive into festive baking projects the kids can actually help with, creative ideas for gifting experiences, and how to set boundaries so you’re not juggling every single holiday task.

Until then, light a candle, queue up a holiday playlist, and remember: You’ve got this.