How to Create an Intentional Holiday Season

Making Space for What Matters This Holiday Season

The holidays are a beautiful time to reflect, celebrate, and connect with the people who mean the most to us. But let’s be honest—it can also be a whirlwind of events, obligations, and to-dos that leave us feeling drained instead of joyful. This year, let's focus on making space not only in our homes but also in our schedules. Let’s create room for the moments that truly matter.

Here’s how we’re approaching it this season. It’s not just about clearing counters or organizing the pantry, but being intentional with our time and energy. This process begins with thoughtfully penciling in the essentials and saying ‘no’ to what doesn’t align with our family’s vision for the season.

1. Start by Planning the Essentials

The first step is to sit down and mark out the non-negotiables. For us, these are the family birthdays and important dates that form the foundation of our holiday calendar. Jack Leroy’s birthday falls just before Thanksgiving, and Oliver’s is at the beginning of December. (We didn’t exactly plan those close holiday birthdays, but we love celebrating our boys during this festive time!) We also jot down our holiday travel dates, work commitments, and any other must-do events that anchor our season.

This initial outline helps us see where we already have commitments, making it easier to be realistic about what we can add—and what we might need to gently decline.

Minimalist Tip:

Make it Fun — Schedule a festive coffee date with your spouse and pencil in what matters together.

2. Prioritize Meaningful Activities

With the essentials mapped out, we move to the second layer: activities that add joy and meaning to our family’s holiday experience. For us, these are traditions and moments that feel like a gift to ourselves. Michael’s holiday work party, our friend’s Christmas gathering, seeing the zoo lights, and our cherished Christmas Eve trip to Pike Place Market are a few of the things that bring us closer together and remind us of what we love about this season.

As you think about what to include, ask yourself what brings the most joy, connection, and meaning to your family. These are the activities worth prioritizing.

3. Say “No” to What Doesn’t Align

Here’s the tricky part—and maybe the most freeing step of all. Saying “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities and values is an act of kindness to yourself and your family. When you say no to unnecessary obligations, you’re saying yes to calm, peace, and more meaningful moments.

If you’re like me and still growing in saying no, remind yourself of how you want to feel in this season. Do you want to feel more peace, unhurried, and have margin? If so, then cramming that extra activity will not contribute to your vision and that slow, intentional feeling you desire to cultivate.

For us, this might mean politely declining an extra holiday potluck or skipping an event that doesn’t resonate with our vision for a peaceful season. It’s not about shutting others out; it’s about choosing the right balance so we can show up fully present in the moments that matter most.

4. Create Space in Your Home, Too

Clearing space in your calendar goes hand-in-hand with creating physical space in your home. A clear counter or tidy living room isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment where we can truly relax and enjoy each other’s company. If you’re familiar with the Danish term “hygge” this is the exact feeling and aesthetic we want to embody in our home all year long. I’ll write a separate post on this, but while there’s no direct translation in English, it’s essentially about cultivating connection, conversation, warmth, beauty, and intention in your space and life. When the holiday decorations come out, it can be easy for things to feel crowded. Consider packing away everyday items to make room for seasonal decor that feels meaningful to you.

Start small. Maybe it’s as simple as clearing a few surfaces or organizing the entryway to make space for boots, scarves, and holiday cheer. When our physical space feels open and peaceful, it becomes easier to enjoy the moments we’ve carved out on our calendar.

5. Savor the Season, One Moment at a Time

At the end of the day, creating space is about making room to slow down and savor the season. It’s about sitting down with a warm cup of cocoa, sharing stories, laughing together, and embracing the beauty of a simple, intentional holiday.

Every time we say no to something that doesn’t serve us, we’re opening up space for what truly matters.

This season, let’s make room for peace, for joy, and for each other.

I’d love to hear how you’re cultivating minimalism in your holidays. Connect with me on Instagram @thejoyfulminimalist to share it!