We're heading into the holiday season and after the last few years of shutdowns and restrictions, it definitely feels tempting to "go all out."

But while you may be tempted to deck all your halls and have Santa bring you a yacht, now is the perfect time for all of us to remember what matters most this holiday season - the memories and experiences you'll enjoy with your loved ones.

From preparing for holiday dinners to minimalism when it comes to shopping for gifts and how the impacts of a minimalist holiday season extends far beyond November and December, read on for our tips for an effortlessly simplified holiday season! 

What does minimalism at the holidays really mean?

As you plan for the holidays, consider asking yourself these questions. 

• What do I want to focus on this year? 

• What do I want my family to remember?

• How much do I want to spend?

• What amount causes the least stress and allows me to hit my financial goals for the rest of the year? 

• How do I want to feel before, during, and after this holiday season? 

Trust me, there's no need to give into all the hype of making your home look like Cracker Barrel if it doesn't feel aligned with your answers to those questions. 

When it comes to a minimalist holiday the goal is to do, have, and spend less so you can actually enjoy the holidays instead of dreading them.

Think about how much more enjoyable your home would be if you had less stuff to put up, clean around, and put away when it's all over. 

Or the stress-free feeling of focusing on experiences instead of going into debt or over your budget on gifts that they won't remember in 10 years.

If we choose to approach the holidays from this mindset, we can make intentional decisions that create joy, togetherness, and special memories that aren't overshadowed by overwhelm. 

So how do we implement a minimalist holiday season?

1. Announce your plans ahead of time

Let your friends and family know now that you want to focus on creating memories and experiences in both gift-giving and receiving. Get your kids involved and excited by having them give you ideas at a family brainstorm session. Call the people you normally buy for and ask them to give you some ideas of things they would like to learn, experience, or do. Contact grandparents and other members of your family who buy gifts for your family and ask them to please contribute to your planned experiences instead of buying presents. If they don't understand or don't want to just buy gift cards, help them to feel included by sharing your ideas and why you're excited!

2. Set a Budget and Focus on Experiences vs. Gifts

It's easy to spend more than you wanted to if you don't plan ahead and create a budget. Keep your finances in order this holiday season with an organized cash envelope binder--like this organizer in our favorite color.

Focus on giving your loved ones the memories of new experiences instead of going into debt or over your budget on gifts that they won't remember in 10 years. Think of some things you can do together at home, look for places you can travel to that offer free admission and parking, and don't forget to include learning experiences like horseback riding lessons, cooking class, or adventures to national parks. You may also consider consolidating gift-giving like only buying for children, siblings buying one gift for their parents instead of each other, or doing a family secret santa. 

3. Stick to minimal yet memorable decor

Before you start decorating, toss or donate items that never end up making it out of the storage tote. Highlight your most meaningful items, keep things simple, and look for items that can be repurposed throughout the year instead of overly-themed plates and glasses that get used once per year and take up storage space the rest of the time. Don't underestimate the beauty of simplicity like fresh greenery and minimal place-settings.

5. Declutter before the holidays begin

The less clutter you have lying around, the less stress you'll experience as you start filling up your calendar with places to be, lists of things to do and buy, and decorations to put up. If you don't declutter before you start, you're just adding to what's already there. Take the time to go through papers and clutter, and organize high-traffic or highly-used areas like the kitchen, refrigerator and freezer, living room, and even closets. This allows you to be more efficient in your holiday preparations as well as less overwhelmed when it's time to put things away and find homes for any items you received as gifts. If organizing isn't your strong suit or you don't have the time, hire one of our professional organizers to help you get everything in its place! 

Minimalist holidays don't have to be less-than or boring. In reality, it creates the opposite because you have more time, energy, and resources to focus on what's most meaningful and memorable. Focus on being fully present wherever you are this holiday season and create a special new memory by doing less and enjoying more.