Here are some tricks that I have used successfully during the Christmas season. A time that I loved as a child, but was taken aback by as an adult – until I started thinking a little creatively and self-lovingly. This may not be all that can be used; maybe you want to make the cookie dough yourself or go crazy with the gifts. But maybe you are already a little stressed – so use all the tips and tricks you can find. Christmas should be a brilliant and joyful time, and yet you see more and more people running around confused and exhausted. Maybe this is the Christmas when you actually have the energy to enjoy it? I hope these tips can help a little to have a merry Christmas.
Tips and Tricks
A more relaxing Christmas with children
A loving guide for those of you who love December, but also want to be able to breathe.
I love the “Live Better” celebration, as I call it, and which my own mother was/is a master at: the beautiful and perfect celebration of, for example, a holiday or birthday, worthy of a women's magazine report. The event where you make everything from scratch, and it all just works. You stand in a beautiful, spotless outfit, your children are happy, and your husband still wants to be with you. Sometimes you make it all work out. But other times (read: most of the time) you need a little help (read: a lot). And that applies regardless of whether you are coughing yourself, or you have to go to various appointments during a busy period.
December 1, 2025
1. Saying no in good time
In November/early December I look at our December plans. If I see that there are too many appointments, I deselect some and get them canceled. It’s the season for guilty consciences and guilt-tripping from well-meaning family members who just want to see you (and maybe your kids). But should it be a month where you only make others happy? Or maybe a month where you can show up to fewer events – but with a completely different energy and presence?
The “cancelled” appointments can be prioritized for next Christmas or for something cozy in January or February. If necessary, have a proposal for another appointment ready.
2. Be realistic about the "magic of Christmas"
Make a list of things that could be fun to do this Christmas. Maybe it's an ice skating trip, maybe mulled wine and apple slices, maybe a farm day?
What will make your own inner child happy and your children happy? It's important to get things done during Christmas. My only tip here is: remember that time is limited! Focus on 3–4 things that you can spread out over the Christmas month, rather than 10 big things that are squeezed in with a shoehorn.
3. Make a wrapping box once and for all
At home, I have a moving box that holds all the wrapping paper, ribbon, gift bags, cards, scissors and pens. In December, it is easily accessible in my office. It sounds like a small thing – and it really is – but it makes wrapping all the small gifts, hostess gifts, Christmas gifts and almond gifts go a little faster, and I appear more polished than I am.
Little extra tip: I buy all the “gear” cheaply online at Søstrene Grene, where I can also throw in some Christmas decorations, cake tins and a few gifts. Not sponsored, just a tip.
4. Buy the cookie dough/apple slices/mulled wine/gingerbread house parts, etc.
There are so many great options for delicious and organic Christmas food kits. Make what you can – and buy when you can't.
5. Minimize gifts with your family
Do we really need all that hype? Do the kids need 50 presents?
If so, then go for it. But a little minimization is often a relief for everyone – including the planet.
6. Christmas Eve as a get-together party
If you're stressed this Christmas and coughing on Christmas Eve, I'm sure your family will be perfectly okay with helping out a little.
Things you can delegate:
- Boiled, peeled white potatoes
- The pork roast
- Red cabbage
- Risalamande
- Confectionery for coffee
- Almond gift
It often happens that these elements turn out even better than if you were to “force” them out under stress. Different guests have a whole day/several days to fuss over one task – and something great often comes out of it.
Bonus: People are often extra attentive to helping on the evening itself if you've honestly stated that you're a little stressed.
7. One Netflix/streaming night replaced with…
Order all your gifts online.
8. Outfit prep
If you're extra, take another evening when the TV is off and lay out all your clothes for your Christmas events – both for you and the kids. Great hack.
9. Get a Christmas tree delivered
There are so many great places where you can order a beautiful tree online and have it delivered directly to your door.
10. A free weekend
Make sure that during the Christmas month there is at least one weekend completely without plans for everyone in the household. After that Friday, notice what you need and want – and then do exactly that without a guilty conscience or pressure and alarm.
A very Merry Christmas, friends!
Hugs,
Julie Zangenberg
