Embrace a Stress-Free Christmas: Tips for Families with Teens

The holiday season has always felt like the time for festive hustle and bustle—but as our family has grown older and we’ve started prioritising a slower, more intentional way of life, I’ve found a new rhythm to Christmas. With teenagers in the house (and one who is neurodivergent), we’ve let go of some of the high-stress traditions and found fresh, meaningful ways to enjoy the holidays together. This shift has been refreshing, allowing us to focus on what we truly love about the season: time together, simple joys, and yes, cosy nights in!

So, if you’re finding yourself in need of a low-stress Christmas this year, here are some of our favourite strategies for a relaxed, joyful holiday season.

1. Let Go of the Perfect Christmas

There was a time when I thought Christmas meant pulling off a magazine-worthy home, the best-dressed tree, and a table full of homemade everything. But here’s the reality—no one’s Christmas really looks like a Hallmark movie (at least not behind the scenes). The pressure to make everything perfect can quickly turn the holidays into a marathon.

So, this year, consider giving yourself permission to ditch the “perfect” image. Swap those unattainable expectations for a cosy, real, family-focused celebration. This might mean your Christmas dinner includes store-bought treats or the decorations are a bit wonky. But I promise, no one’s going to remember the one strand of lights that won’t work or the slightly burnt cookies—what they’ll remember is the feeling of love and fun you created.

2. Choose Traditions that Bring Genuine Joy

As kids get older, some of the family traditions we used to do with gusto may not fit as well. There was a time when we decorated gingerbread houses with every candy under the sun and watched “Home Alone” on repeat, but these days, the teens would rather pick out new holiday movies or experiment with a DIY craft project.

When it comes to holiday traditions, check in with your teens to see what still feels meaningful and enjoyable for them. Maybe they’re ready to join in a new tradition that’s a little more grown-up, like a holiday board game night with hot cocoa, baking together, or heading out to see the holiday lights. And let go of any that feel more stressful than joyful. Remember, it’s about the memories you’re creating together, not about keeping every single tradition going.

3. Have a Plan—but Keep It Flexible

Teens are known for unpredictable schedules and shifting moods. And let’s be honest, as parents, we’re sometimes just as likely to change plans at the last minute! One of the best things we’ve found is to have a rough holiday plan—like marking down a day to bake cookies, or planning to shop for stocking stuffers together—but to also stay flexible. If someone needs a quiet day at home or something else comes up, it’s okay to reschedule or adjust.

This flexibility has been a game-changer. Last year, instead of a strict plan, we tried something new: a “Holiday Bucket List.” We wrote down a few things we wanted to do before Christmas, but with no set dates attached. This way, we had all the joy without the pressure of a rigid schedule. It’s a gentle way to ensure everyone gets a say in what we do—and it keeps the season feeling festive without overwhelming anyone.

4. Focus on Low-Key Gatherings

For a lot of families, social events are a big part of the holidays, but big gatherings can be draining for everyone. Over the years, we’ve found that keeping things low-key suits our family best. We still enjoy getting together with friends and family, but we keep it small and simple—think cosy dinners at home, or an outdoor meet-up for a hot chocolate and a winter walk.

When it comes to family gatherings, consider the kind of atmosphere that feels comfortable and calming for you and your teens. Small get-togethers, maybe with just a couple of close friends or family members, can feel much more meaningful and manageable than a huge party. And if you’re planning a bigger event, it can help to have a quiet space available so teens (and adults!) can take a breather if they need it.

5. Set Limits on Gift Shopping

Shopping can be a major holiday stressor. Between the packed stores, endless wish lists, and pressure to find the “perfect” gift, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. To keep gift shopping low-key, we’ve embraced a more intentional approach that focuses on quality over quantity.

Each year, we’ve started doing a Secret Santa or giving experience-based gifts, which has been a lifesaver. For teens, this might mean treating them to a concert, a day out, or even a thoughtful subscription to something they’re passionate about. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to set a budget and stick to it. Often, teens are just as happy with a few meaningful gifts rather than a mountain of things they won’t use.

Also, consider spreading out shopping over a few days or even a few weeks. I like to go at quieter times or pick things up here and there, which keeps the pressure off and helps keep shopping relaxed. And when possible, shopping locally can turn it into a fun outing rather than a stressful task.

6. Make Room for Quiet, Cosy Moments

One of my favourite parts of a slow holiday season is carving out those quiet, cosy moments. We’ve started taking more time for movie nights at home, lighting a few candles, and enjoying the season’s simple pleasures. This could be as simple as sitting down for a cup of tea, reading a book together, or going for a walk in the crisp winter air.

Encourage your teens to take a break from screens and join you for these moments. Whether it’s snuggling under a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa or stargazing on a clear winter night, these quiet times can help everyone recharge and savour the magic of the season.

7. Laugh It Off

One thing I’ve learned is that humour can be a wonderful stress-reliever, especially during the holidays. When things don’t go according to plan, try to laugh about it. Like the year we accidentally bought a tree that barely fit in the living room, or the time I burned an entire batch of cookies (which became known as the “charcoal cookies” year). These little hiccups end up becoming the funny stories we remember and laugh about later.

So, this season, embrace the chaos with a sense of humour. Sometimes, it’s those imperfect, funny moments that end up meaning the most. And, as our teens grow, it’s nice to have a home filled with laughter and memories—mistakes and all.

Enjoy the Season, Your Way

In the end, a stress-free holiday doesn’t mean giving up on all the fun or excitement—it just means choosing the moments that truly matter. Whether you’re trying new traditions, spending quiet evenings in, or finding joy in a bit of chaos, remember that this season is about connection, laughter, and love. Wishing you and your family a beautiful, meaningful holiday, filled with cosy moments and the memories that make Christmas special.

What’s Your Holiday Must-Do?

I’d love to hear from you—what are some of your favourite ways to keep the season stress-free? Drop a comment below, and let’s inspire each other to embrace a slow, cosy holiday!

Merry Christmas

Ciara xox

PS for fun Advent activity ideas take a look at our Family Activity Advent Calendar