Let It Go: 5 Permission Slips for December

The holiday season often brings a mix of excitement and stress. Invitations pile up, gift lists grow longer, and the pressure to create perfect celebrations can feel overwhelming. What if you gave yourself permission to let go of some of these obligations and pressures and high societal standards? Here are five things you can let go of (a la Queen Elsa) so you can embrace holiday time joy and simplify your celebrations!

1 Permission to Not Send Out Holiday Cards

If you enjoy the designing, shopping, stuffing, stamping, address collecting and mailing involved with sending holiday cards, go for it! But if you dread it, or just don't have time, consider skipping holiday cards altogether. I enjoyed the recent NAPO blog post about this topic. In it, Miriam explains what happens when you stop sending cards: "Nothing happens. You still get cards from your friends who enjoy sending them, and you still don’t get cards from your friends who don’t. A lack of cards does not translate to not thinking well of the person or loving them with all your heart."

Would you try it this year?

2 Permission to Decline Invitations You Don’t Want to Accept

Holiday invitations can quickly become a source of stress. You might feel obligated to attend every party, gathering, or event, even when you don’t want to. Saying yes out of obligation can drain your energy and take away from your enjoyment.

How to handle unwanted invitations:

• Prioritize your well-being. It’s okay to decline invitations that don’t feel right or that conflict with your need for rest.

• Be honest, but kind. A simple, “Thank you for the invite, but I won’t be able to make it this time,” is enough. No explanation is necessary.

• Offer alternatives. You can also reply to a request for a get together with "This month is super busy, but I'd love to catch up. Can we set a date for January?"

  
  

3 Permission to Not Buy Gifts for Your Young Children

Gift-giving is a big part of the holidays, especially for families with young kids. But the expectation to buy many gifts can create financial strain and clutter. Especially if your child is super young and is receiving gifts from multiple family members, considering saving your time and money and space and not buying your own child a gift.

If you feel you must:

• Focus on experiences. Gifts like a day at the zoo, a craft project, or tickets to a show can be more memorable than toys.

• Consider group gifts. Pool resources with relatives to buy one meaningful gift instead of many smaller ones.

• Decor upgrade: If your child could use something functional for their room, like a new dresser or area rug, consider this item as a gift.

  
  

4 Permission to Not Be the Perfect Host

Clutter can make hosting friends and family feel overwhelming. You might avoid inviting people over because your home doesn’t feel ready and/or because you don't have time to cook and clean for the masses.

Let those expectations go. You are not Martha Stewart:

• Focus on key areas. You don’t need to clean out your entire house; prioritize living spaces where guests will gather.

• Progress, not perfection: Your home does not need to be a museum. And overnight guests will enjoy a few meals out; you don't have to run a 24-hour restaurant.

• Control what you can: Take a deep breath, create the vibe with a candle and the perfect playlist. Remember, your guests come for your company, not a perfect home. Letting go of the need for perfection can make hosting more enjoyable.

5 Permission to Do It Your Way

Pretend there are no rules. How do you want to spend this time of year? What memories and traditions do you want to create with your children?

Ways to embrace imperfection:

• Simplify traditions. Choose a few meaningful activities instead of trying to do everything you think you're supposed to do.

• Ask for help. Share tasks like cooking, decorating, or decluttering with family members, even if they don't do it exactly the way you would.

• Set limits on your schedule. Block out downtime for self-care to recharge and avoid burnout.

Permission to Still Have Fun

Letting go of obligations doesn’t mean missing out. It means making space for what truly brings joy and connection. It means accepting imperfection and help, and setting boundaries that protect your time and energy.

By giving yourself permission to say no, clear clutter, and set boundaries, you create a holiday experience that feels authentic and joyful.

If the house clutters up this month, and gifts are everywhere, and you are overwhelmed at the prospect of putting your holiday decorations away, reach out to Clutter Kicker for January help!