This year has been tumultuous and full of challenges. With built-up pandemic-related stress, the holidays may feel a little overwhelming. The good news is, you can still celebrate and enjoy a meaningful holiday season with scaled-back versions of your annual traditions. Take the opportunity to ease the pressure with the following ideas.

 

In years past, you may have gone all out and decorated your entire home, both outside and inside, complete with real mistletoe and a snowman toilet seat cover. When it’s all up, it looks magical, but it is a lot of work. This year, maybe you could try limiting your decorations to just one area or displaying one holiday-related item in each room. When it comes to the outdoors, try hanging a simple wreath. The goal is to enjoy the process and not overwhelm yourself with to-dos.

 

Instead of stressing over finding the perfect gifts or buying impersonal gift cards for everyone, add some fun to the holidays with a secret gift exchange in which gifts are pooled and recipients are left up to chance. Since many families are practicing social distancing, using a gift exchange generator can help people draw names from afar. Just remember to make sure everyone gives and receives a present.

 

Baking can be time-consuming if you’re making everything from scratch, especially if you plan on baking several types of cookies. Instead, purchase pre-cut cookies that are ready to bake. 

 

Order gifts and groceries online from the comfort of your home. For example, you can order gifts and fresh groceries on Walmart’s website. Walmart will send your presents to whatever address you choose. They can even have your groceries ready to pick-up, with employees to load your car for free. If you want to support small businesses, many are using online and phone ordering with curbside or home delivery.

 

Wrapping gifts is time-consuming, and some of us wind up with a mess of tape and lumpy presents. Ditch the rolls of paper, and try gift bags and tissue paper. It makes the whole process easier. Gift bags are also more manageable for older loved ones to put together and easier to open, as pulling off wrapping paper can be difficult for those who have weaker hands or arthritis. If you are mailing packages, you can select a festive shipping box from the United States Postal Service.

 

If your parent, grandparent or older loved one is having trouble finding a present for a relative, ask if they have any family recipes they would like to pass down. If they have the recipe card, laminate and/or frame it. If they have it memorized but not recorded, use the opportunity to type or write it out on stationary or a recipe card. Then, laminate or frame it. You could even help schedule a day when your older loved one could cook virtually with the recipient, thus making cherished memories.

 

Now, what do you give to your older loved one? It’s true that most older adults don’t want material things. They just want to spend time with their family: chatting, laughing and reminiscing. Learn how you can gift your time and attention.