The holiday season can be magical – twinkling lights, familiar music, and the warmth of family gatherings. But let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. The parties, shopping lists, decorations, and expectations pile up fast. That’s why I want to talk about something that has become dear to me both personally and in my work with clients: simplicity. When we practice simplicity during the holidays, we create space for what matters most.
The Power of Saying “No”
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is permission to say no. That might mean saying no to an extra party, no to a shopping spree that leaves you stretched too thin, or no to the pressure of making everything “Pinterest-perfect.” Saying no doesn’t mean you’re missing out; it means you’re choosing what really matters.
In fact, every “no” opens up a “yes.” When you say no to overcommitting your calendar, you say yes to slowing down with your grandkids in pajamas watching a Christmas movie. When you say no to buying one more gift, you say yes to financial peace and freedom from clutter. Simplicity isn’t about deprivation; it’s about intentional choices.
Creating White Space
Think of your life like a room. If every surface is covered and every corner is stuffed, there’s no room for you to breathe or move. The same is true for our schedules and hearts. Creating “white space” during the holidays means leaving margin for rest, reflection, and connection.
Jesus modeled this beautifully. He often withdrew from the crowds to pray and find quiet (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God needed moments of pause, how much more do we? By practicing simplicity, we allow space for God’s presence to fill our lives, rather than all the noise.
Consumerism Is a Thief
Everywhere you look in December, you’re told to buy more, do more, and be more. But consumerism robs us of peace. It steals our joy, our time, and sometimes even our relationships. Clutter – whether physical or emotional – has a way of taking over.
I’ve seen it firsthand while working with clients. Families come to us feeling weighed down by too much stuff, and once we clear it away, the relief is almost visible. That same principle applies to holiday traditions and commitments. When we remove the excess, what’s left is meaningful, life-giving, and aligned with our values.
Psalm 90:12 reminds us:
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
We only get one chance at today. Practicing simplicity means choosing presence over pressure, gratitude over greed, and relationships over rushing.
A Personal Story from Knoxville Home Organizer
Last December, I worked with a client who was hosting family for Christmas but felt paralyzed by the amount of stuff in her home. Decorations, boxes of old toys, and years of untouched storage items filled her living spaces. She told me she felt like she couldn’t enjoy Christmas because the house was closing in on her.
Together, we spent several days decluttering and setting boundaries around what truly needed to stay. She chose to keep just a few meaningful decorations instead of unpacking every single box. The transformation wasn’t just physical; it was emotional. She called me later to say that for the first time in years, she was able to sit with her family around the tree and actually relax. That’s the fruit of simplicity: joy and peace in the moment.
Choosing Presence Over Perfection
If you remember nothing else from this post, remember this: you don’t get these days back. The holidays aren’t about how much you spend or how many events you attend. They’re about being present with the people you love and remembering the reason we celebrate: Emmanuel, God with us.
This December, I encourage you to practice simplicity by letting go of the extras that drain you. Say no when you need to. Create white space in your schedule and your home. Push back against consumerism. And most of all, treasure the moments that matter.
In your corner,
Allison and the KHO Team
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