Freak less about holidays? That used to be a tall order. But guess what? In pandemic season, EVERYTHING is more concerning and anxiety-provoking than choosing garlands! Holiday stress is likely the least of your worries these days. Still, if you need encouragement to relax about the weeks ahead, this may help. Hop on this sleigh to slay December with How to Freak Out Less About Holiday Decorating, Gifts & Entertaining.
![White natural European inspired Christmas decor on fireplace and mantel with joy wreath and stockings - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmasdecor #christmasfireplace #scandichristmas #frenchchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/0001-hello-lovely-studio-christmas-decor-joy-wreath-french-fireplace-living-room.jpg)
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How to Freak Out Less About Holiday Decorating
![Belgian style living room with Belgian Fir Christmas tree next to antique sideboard - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/christmas-decor-2020-hello-lovely-studio-living-room.jpg)
You can clearly see how a year ago, our tree was up and a bit of garland rested on the sideboard, but yer zen girlfriend took her sweet time with embellishments.
![7.5’ Belgium Fir “Natural Look” Artificial Christmas Tree with 550 Clear LED Lights](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0108/9460/6436/products/artificial-75-belgium-fir-natural-look-artificial-christmas-tree-with-550-clear-led-lights-nearly-natural-806622_1000x.jpg?v=1595469052)
And without apologies! I was and am determined to enjoy the process and focus energies on slow and steady breathing. And smiling.
![White modern farmhouse kitchen decorated for Christmas with wreath over farmhouse sink. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1EXtzQiKiQs/WFSkvxdjF5I/AAAAAAAAj0k/cc6Ez9u9mZMh_PgmeU-wnAqdlOD6lIiTACLcB/s1600/2016-12-16%2B12.38.41c.jpg)
BTW. It’s not the most wonderful time of the year for everyone:
Ya know?
On with the pre-holiday counseling.
![Frida Kahlo endurance quote on Hello Lovely. #strugglequotes #artistquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/hello-lovely-studio-green-quote-frida-kahlo-endurance.jpg)
1. Decorating Early is Optional
It’s okay to be last minute or seat of your pants if it means you’ll be calm for most of the season and then happily decorating in a surge close to the big day.
Why?
![White kitchen with Minuet Viatera quartz countertop, mirror, and Christmas decor. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0bVLOFh_aHs/WFSkxSlDSsI/AAAAAAAAj08/-8gmPCaz_pkNHze0RdibZzM7UuWSBG-XgCLcB/s1600/2016-12-16%2B12.56.25.jpg)
Your health and your body-mind-spirit come first. You’re all grown up so you get to choose how to live your one wild life. (And I highly recommend living it courageously.)
![White Shaker style kitchen with Christmas decor - Hello Lovely Studio. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oLbcDfaptGo/WFSkyQRviuI/AAAAAAAAj1I/Zh2C9zr6lFAG4PiShpR4JGUxSev75y7JACLcB/s1600/2016-12-16%2B13.06.37.jpg)
Last year, the lights on the bottom half of our former prelit tree failed to illumine, and my guy COMPLETELY LOST HIS MIND, staying at it until 2:30 a.m. on a work night to get things perfect.
![Inspiring quote from Anne Lamott - come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining. #quotes #annlamott](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/000001-anne-lamott-quote-almost-everything-will-work-hello-lovely-studio-aqua.jpg)
And those lights never came on, and he proceeded to buy light strings for the tree which cast cold, not warm light which caused my non-Botoxed elevens to deepen and my lips to say ‘oyyyyyy.’
Don’t let dim lights that won’t shine distract you from your sparkling life and the Light of the world you celebrate.
![Christmas decor in living room - Hello Lovely Studio. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FehoYT45rbo/WFSkqO1dt3I/AAAAAAAAjzc/nq8PxXXBd70GEMRH9zIysMZBAlKTeZrkQCLcB/s1600/2016-12-15%2B14.48.20.jpg)
2. Decorate for You & Yours
In 2019, in a feverish mode to get the house decorated BEFORE Thanksgiving like a rockstar, I made all sorts of mistakes.
![Funny quote and life humor on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquotes #humorquote #sillyquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-life-quote-hello-lovely-studio-life-is-exactly-chess.jpg)
For example, I tried to incorporate things that were just not me (under-scaled sweet decorations and embellishments with red). Red is not a favorite, and little mediocre knick knack things of any hue make me feel tense. (I am probably not as snobby as all this makes me sound, but I am getting older and sassier.)
![Funny quote about midlife on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-humor-quote-hello-lovely-studio-1970.jpg)
So why did I try to make them work anyway?
![Window seat in white kitchen decorated for holidays - Hello Lovely Studio. How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZB6_IztopE/WFSkyRIVCRI/AAAAAAAAj1M/PrCDxRSKlrMMsU5t0d5dH6K8UdmKGFedACLcB/s1600/2016-12-16%2B13.03.22.jpg)
Two reasons. First, I bought little things here and there over the course of the year because they were bargain priced or appealed in some way to my sensible nature. If I bought it and it says ‘Christmas,’ then certainly I should display it at least one year, right?
Wrong.
The red just didn’t feel right, and it began to feel like someone else’s home! (Strangely enough, I can wear red accents!)
![Holiday vignette with red wellies and plaid scarf with vintage chair and wooly wreath. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uI-Up5MBw7o/WFgZFMKyEuI/AAAAAAAAkCk/3C1DM9QPkoc-ONX5nZ1ZXc6FJoqYf8qiwCLcB/s1600/2016-12-15%2B15.24.02.jpg)
Second, I was thinking with a blogger mindset. (Which is not at all an unusual mindset for anyone who posts on social media these days!)
![Funny quote and life humor on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquotes #humorquote #sillyquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-humor-quote-hello-lovely-studio-synonym-rolls-.jpg)
Switching it up for interest to snap images of new vignettes with more saturated color felt more innovative than sticking to my predictable neutrals.
But I am the same me as last season, and I’m decorating for us…not a blog.
![Funny Christmas quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmashumor #holidayquote #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-christmas-quote-hello-lovely-studio-unrealistic-twelve-days.jpg)
Your Decor Should Reflect You
Yep. Your holiday decor should reflect YOU and make you feel at ease and at home. It wouldn’t make sense for me to decorate heavy-handedly or boldly for the holidays. I like wearing red this time of year, and red accents on a holiday table are truly appetizing. But it simply creates too much contrast for my taste with all the white I love.
![Serene white bench and mirror with winter holiday decor - Hello Lovely Studio. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLz9M6f6Uzc/WFSk1OndGFI/AAAAAAAAj1s/ev6Kd6xRRK0MjCKS4d5o_rJEedqmo351ACLcB/s1600/2016-12-16%2B13.51.32.jpg)
As soon as I put the red away, I felt instant relief!
Decorations that didn’t make the cut which still had their tags went in a gift basket for someone who appreciates the color!
![Christmas decor inspiration flatlay with rustic chic organic natural inspiration and cake from H&M. #christmas #holidaydecor #simpleChristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/rustic-mountain-cabin-christmas-decor-holiday-hm-7c.jpg)
3. Use Food as a Decor Element
Never underestimate the power of a festive cake (homemade or store-bought), platter of gingerbread cookies, or a pretty bowl of pears. We all know the power of fresh flowers on the table, but a gorgeous edible centerpiece can do the trick too.
![French country white Christmas decor in a historic living room in Spain - El Mueble. #christmasdecor #whitechristmas #frenchcountry #holidaydecorating](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/white-christmas-decor-romantic-spain-house-el-mueble-13-cake-kitchen.jpg)
Also, there is something utterly lovely and understated about decorating with oranges, apples, and white roses during the holidays. I love how bosc pears look with garland on a mantel or the way a small rustic bowl of green apples on a coffee table adds life.
![White Christmas decor in a modern French dining room with white roses and fresh greenery - Pamela Pierce for Milieu magazine. #christmasdecor #frenchcountry #elegantchristmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/pamela-pierce-white-modern-French-christmas-decor-milieu-001-1.jpg)
If you’re not a stellar architect of gingerbread houses, consider baking or buying cookies to decorate a Christmas tree.
![Sweet and petite simple gingerbread house cottage upon a jadeite cake pedestal - Design Improvised. #gingerbreadhouse #christmasdiy #holidaybaking](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/design-improvised-gingerbread-house-on-jadeite-pedestal.jpg)
![Chocolate bar candy gingerbread house with Kitkat and Hershey - MyCupcakeAddiction. #gingerbreadhouses #christmasbaking #candyhouses #chocolatehouses #chocolatelovers #holidaybaking #holidaycrafts](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gingerbread-house-chocolate-candy-christmas-house-hersheys-kitkat-mycupcakeaddiction.jpg)
![Ingredients for chocolate bar candy gingerbread house by My Cupcake Addiction. #gingerbreadhouses #chocolatehouses #candyhouses #holidaybaking #holidaytreats](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gingerbread-house-chocolate-candy-christmas-house-hersheys-kitkat-mycupcakeaddiction-2.jpg)
Their fragrance alone may win you over!
![Dog chalkware on book with animal print - Hello Lovely Studio. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cingt3rt-tI/WFSkqmouPDI/AAAAAAAAjzo/UHc1Esu2MHI-cnlkXnvDu5fj1qTiRd_wwCLcB/s1600/2016-12-15%2B15.03.42.jpg)
4. Wee Trees Are Beautiful
No worries if you decide NOT to bring a glorious 10-foot Spruce home. A wee tree in a charming urn on a tabletop or tucked within a rustic wood box can be magical.
![Swedish Christmas tree in a gorgeous vintage planter in a white on white Nordic French room by My Petite Maison. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/21294370_1363898903730224_4521948011126849536_n.jpg)
![Nordic French Christmas decor in a living room with sheer curtains and all white decor - My Petite Maison. #frenchnordicchristmas #scandichristmas #swedishchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/mypetitemaison-white-nordic-French-christmas-tree.jpg)
Little Christmas Tree Options Here
5. It’s Okay to Decorate Just One Corner
Why do we think every single hall needs to be decked? Maybe it will ease your worry this year to choose just one area–like the fireplace if you have one–and make that moment sing.
You don’t even need to reinvent the wheel for that one area. Faux or fresh garland, fresh fruit (or pinecones or cookies!), and gold toned candleholders may be all you need with a few stockings for that hearth moment.
Skeptical that just a few elements are sufficient?
![Beautiful holiday greenery on a white fireplace - Monika Hibbs. #holidaydecor #fireplace #garland](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/monikahibbs-holiday-fireplace-scaled.jpg)
![Beautiful faux evergreen garland on white brick holiday fireplace - Francoi et Moi. #fireplace #manteslcape #holidaydecor #garland](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/francois-et-moi-holiday-fireplace-decor.jpg)
![Beautiful and romantic holiday decorated fireplace - Anthropologie. #holidaydecor #fireplace #christmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/anthropologie-romantic-fireplace.jpg)
![Romantic and rustic fireplace with greenery and candles - Happywedd. #fireplacedecor #romanticdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/happywedd-romantic-candlelight-fireplace-1.jpg)
6. Candlelight & Twinkling Lights Are Everything
If holiday decorating anxiety is kicking in because you feel pressure to make things special for others who have had a rough year, bear in mind that mood lighting can be easy and your secret weapon.
![Beautiful natural and rustic country French farmhouse Christmas tablescape. #holidaytable #frenchcountry #frenchchristmas #christmasdecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/boxwoodavenue-country-french-farmhouse-christmas-table-decor.jpg)
A blogger I know doesn’t even thoroughly clean before a holiday party since she turns the lights down, sprinkles candles everywhere, and saves the housework for after guests leave!
![Simple and natural holiday tablescape - Zevjoy. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining. #holidaydecor #holidaytable #tablescape #frenchcountry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/zevjoy-country-french-farmhouse-christmas-tablescape.jpg)
So if you’ll be hosting in the evening, keep in mind a lot of those little vignettes or time consuming fresh garlands will be in the dark!
Here are the votives I reach for and sprinkle around my place.
![Royal Imports Votive Candles Bulk Set of 36. Come be calmed by How to Freak Less About Holidays, Decorating and Gifts as well as Entertaining.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61uixJ0NJwL._SX679_.jpg)
![White kitchen decorated for Christmas with small tree and paper wreath - Hello Lovely Studio](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HiEN0sk_20/WFSkyW_-oxI/AAAAAAAAj1E/8rl7ZcFmEFEKseLW7lmI_Hp4t4Ww5U_4wCLcB/s1600/2016-12-16%2B13.00.25.jpg)
7. Pick a Theme for Gifts
It always helps me to come up with a theme for the season and choose related gifts. Even a broad category like ‘food gifts’ or ‘personalized photo gifts’ can help you simplify. Need inexpensive ideas?
![Gifts Under $25 from Hello Lovely - find something special at a friendly price for holiday gift and stocking stuffer shopping!](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/gifts-under-25-holiday-gift-guide-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
Is this the PERFECT one size fits all GIFT for every human on your list?
![Gift Guide: Amazon Favorites on Hello Lovely. #giftguide #holidaygiftguide](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/amazon-gift-guide.jpg)
8. Give Yourself a Deadline for Gift Shopping
Get it out of the way. Let’s face it, there are shipping issues and stuff just takes longer to arrive. Also, if you’re like me, you may feel insecure up until Christmas day about your gift giving!
![Funny Christmas quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmashumor #holidayquote #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-christmas-humor-quote-hello-lovely-studio-noel.jpg)
I always feel better if I finish my shopping as early as possible, wrap gifts when I am relaxed and listening to Christmas music, and don’t have those lists hanging over me.
![For the love of pink - home decor and art on Hello Lovely Studio. #pinkhomedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/001-for-the-love-of-pink-hello-lovely-studio-banner.jpg)
9. Exchange Handmade & Homemade Gifts
It’s old school, retro, and sooooo old fashioned which means it’s an idea ripe for becoming a hot trend. Who doesn’t appreciate someone who took the time to make them delicious homemade marshmallows?
![Homemade marshmallows - Pinecones and Acorns.](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8rOmSsu1D8/Wi84WL5rvkI/AAAAAAAApSM/G3doRbPpPUIJ9r2fJObmlkvmy9cnEqdVACLcBGAs/s1600/marshmallows-chocolate-covered-plain.jpg)
![Funny Christmas quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmashumor #holidayquote #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-christmas-quote-hello-lovely-studio-coal.jpg)
![](https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l6YXVKcfvBM/Wi80BFRMaWI/AAAAAAAApRA/8Z18x7X_l4UM9YL_bnvY3Gbx2qNfRZ7FACLcBGAs/s1600/caramel-corn-grandmas-recipe.jpg)
10. Skip the Cooking or Baking
Host that holiday gathering, but skip cooking without apologies. Do something unexpected like cater Mexican from your favorite restaurant. You can always add little holiday flourishes (stud guacamole with pomegranate seeds).
![Lovely simple and white Swedish and Scandi Christmas placesetting for a white Christmas -from ljo-s blog.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ljo-s-simple-white-christmas-holiday-placesetting.jpg)
For dessert, how about a plain cheesecake from your favorite restaurant or bakery? A few topping options on the side so everyone can enjoy their favorite, and you’re a hero.
![Funny Christmas quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmashumor #holidayquote #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-christmas-humor-quote-hello-lovely-studio-die-hard-harry-potter.jpg)
Serve just one signature drink like a margarita or holiday mocktail instead of stocking a bar.
![Delicious cocktail or mocktail idea for Thanksgiving with apples and cranberries - sangria recipe from Delish. #sangria #thanksgivingrecipes #thanksgivingmenu #applecranberry](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cranberry-apple-sangria-delish-thanksgiving-cocktail.jpg)
I hope these ideas and lighthearted nutty quotes help you freak out a little less.
But I mean.
Even freakouts can be endearing and slightly festive:
Hahahahahahahaha – I love Aunt Sue, and we all know one!
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE, and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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I am very enjoyed for this blog. Its an informative topic. It help me very much to solve some problems. Its opportunity are so fantastic and working style so speedy…
no freak out….and less is more. That’s xmas without stress. Love it
Author
Yay for no freakouts! 🙂
Always look forward to seeing what you are up to or what suggestions you have for the home! Wondering … what is the backsplash in #1?? We are remodeling our kitchen and would like to find something similar to these tiles / marble / ?? Thank you! T
Author
Hi Theresa. It is polished venatino marble subway mosaic (Allen + Roth) from right off the shelf at Lowe’s. The mosaic sheets made the project so much easier than tiling with individual little tiles. 🙂 Peace to you.
GRAN THANK YOU!!! YES!! Now are the tiles appear to look like 2 x 4 … is that right?
Author
Yes!
I find decorating early (around the 20th November) eases stress. It’s one thing ✅off my list. I plan my theme ahead of time and gather. This year it is all about candles, mini lights and gold deer scattered throughout. Add some Christmas tunes and I’m in the mood for hosting get together, writing those Christmas cards to family & dear friends, and picking out The Perfect Gift. Truthfully, I do stress a little over finding a gift that will ooh & ahh. We can all buy the necessities of life but it’s the special, thoughtful gifts that touch one’s heart.
Be true to oneself and you’ll find happiness,
~Joanna
Author
Wise and wonderful, Joanna – the twinkling lights and gold deer sound so pretty. The greenery and christmas trees have begun to appear here – so it’s beginning to look ‘a little’ like Christmas. 🙂
Thank you for sharing at #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Happy Holiday!
Author
Same to you, Marilyn. Thanks so much for hosting TFT.
Oh, I love this post so much. I can relate to so much of this! Over the last few years we’ve had some pretty traumatic events, and I’ve taken a MUCH more relaxed approach to holiday decorating. I decorate with the same items every year, and my grown kids feel a certain sense of calm just from the familiarity of it all. We’ve had the last few Christmas Eves catered by a local Italian restaurant. Oh, and I love your ideas about decorating with fruit! I will be off to get some pears and green apples this week! Thanks for sharing, as always, at Thursday Favorite Things, Michele! xoxo
Author
Thanks so much for hosting TFT and for your encouragement and support, Pam. I hear you about keeping things scaled down and not trying to save the world at Christmas time. I’m too old to do that! 🙂
Oh this post was the confirmation I’m looking for – about 2weeks ago I lugged all my Christmas decor downstairs and started my annual decking of the halls wanting it all done BEFORE Thanksgiving since I would be out of town from Thanksgiving until Dec. 6th. I don’t know what happened but I found myself taking things out of the bins and saying – I don’t even like this …. Why do I even have it? Or walking around the house with some “Christmasy” nick nack looking for a spot for it….. Long story short I learned that just because there was 172 decorations I didn’t HAVE to use them all. Now my house is nicely and lightly decorated with the things I love and I can enjoy the holidays season.
Marilyn S.
Author
So many of us can relate, Marilyn! I personally find that when I keep my style streamlined (i.e. vintage/country/natural), the ultimate result looks more pulled together (and less like Vegas!). So glad you were able to arrive at that sweet balance where the calm lies. Happy December, lovely friend. xox
Love the post, Michele. My serious comment…Wouldn’t it be lovely, if we focused on celebrating the birth of the Christ with others in a way that would honor Jesus and show our appreciation for the gift of His presence? My not so serious comment… Hilarious Aunt Sue is definitely not what I have in mind. LOL
Author
Yes. Oh yes. And at Christmastime He might say – if you love me, feed my sheep. Ideally we would be building longer tables and welcoming the lonely, the poor, the downcast, and the broken. Thank you for directing our gaze there. xox
Welcoming, longer tables… I love that visual!
Author
xox
Love your advice for less stress holiday decorating, gift giving and entertaining. I adore the wire Joy wreath over your fireplace. Did you make it or can you tell where I can find one like it?
I certainly am going to incorporate your ideas in my decorating this year.
Author
Thanks! My wreath is the large Wondershop size, and not sure if it is available like the smaller one here: https://rstyle.me/+6gqFypzdtzBTyKAmb-G-Ww. Hope this helps!