"Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year" is what we're all told, but for many people it can also be one of the most stressful. The sheer amount of pressure to create memorable experiences for everyone, buy gifts that are both thoughtful and necessary, and keep up with the traditions that have become entrenched in our society can leave us feeling like Christmas is anything but wonderful. But managing your expectations and finding ways to simplify this holiday season will help you make it stress-free. With these 5 tips you'll learn how to host a stress-free Christmas!

It's natural to have higher expectations for holiday gatherings when you're at a host level, but the problem with higher expectations is that they can sometimes limit your options and throw you into an anxiety spiral. So before you do anything at all, you need to set expectations and tell everyone what you can and cannot do. Get everyone's input, and ask them what they want from you, what they need, and how you can best fulfill their wishes. When people are in a position to help make the event great, they'll be more likely to come through for you. You don't need to overcome your fear of entertaining, but you do need to manage it. Don't try to stuff it down; instead, focus on overcoming it by focusing on one thing at a time.

People love decorating the house for holidays, but maybe they don't love the over-the-top Christmas decorating that can seem to start months in advance.  Try keeping it simple and elegant, and investing in some high quality, long lasting decor items like our beautiful Bottle Brush Christmas Trees.  Add a touch of whimsy to your Christmas tree with these Palm Frond ornaments or these Speckle Ombre Tree ornaments. Maybe even hang one of these trending Felted Wool Ball Garlands or a FaLaLaLa Felted Wool Garland!

Caring for others and caring for one another is part of the Christmas spirit, but the amount of unnecessary, overpriced, impersonal gifts can leave you feeling empty and unfulfilled. Instead of feeling compelled to buy a present for every single person on your list, opt to give gifts that mean something.  A well thought out Christmas tree ornament, a special heirloom quality doll from our Play Collection, or perhaps pamper your kids with some fun, crackling bath salts, bath bombs & water-based nail polish kits!  

Maybe baked goods are more your style.  Delivering your favorite cookies on a cute Christmas themed plate - like these Iridescent Peppermint Plates will surely put a smile on the faces of loved ones. Fill these Foiled Christmas Baking Cups with candy, nuts & bolts mix or even cupcakes and cover with cellophane for a fun and simple gift.  

Christmas is a very busy time and can often feel like there is never enough time to accomplish all you want to, especially for families with children. Instead of trying to do everything on your own, find something that you can all do together, whether it be an activity or a dinner at a restaurant. If you can't come up with anything to do or if you're feeling overcommitted and you don't want to do all the work yourself, maybe it's time to reconsider a new Christmas tradition.  It could be as simple as printing out some Christmas coloring pages, putting on a Christmas movie & popping some popcorn with the family!  Maybe pack up some snacks and head out for a Christmas walk.  These Christmas To-Go Cups are perfect for hot cocoa (or coffee) on the go!

While it's true that we must all do our part to create this wonderful holiday season for our family and friends, that doesn't mean we have to do it all ourselves. Ask for help from family and friends and try to avoid doing things on your own if you don't have the time or energy.  Simplify your table setting with high-quality, disposable paper plates, napkins & cups.  You will save time at the sink, and be able to spend those precious moments with family and friends. 

Don’t forget! We love to see your parties! Tag us on Instagram @paperandparties