Get festive with DIY decorations

When it comes to Christmas, nothing beats the joy of decorating your home—but the stress can sometimes steal the magic! That’s why we’re sharing simple decoration ideas that are as calming as they are beautiful. You can get hands-on with pottery, nature-inspired crafts, sewing, papier-mâché, or anything that sparks your creativity. Crafting your own decorations isn’t just festive—it’s a chance to slow down, (who doesn't want that!) focus, and reduce stress while adding a personal, joyful touch to your home this holiday season

Baking edible ornaments

One of the most fun and inspiring Christmas hacks? Edible ornaments! All you need is flour, salt, and water—simple pantry staples. Mix 4 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1.5 cups of water until you have a soft, doughy consistency. Roll it out and use festive cookie cutters—you can grab sets at craft stores, kitchen shops, or online marketplaces like Etsy—to create stars, trees, gingerbread men, and more.

Bake them low and slow at 200°F for about 2 hours, let them cool, and decorate with icing, edible glitter, or even bits of crushed candy. Hang them on your tree for a quirky, personal touch that everyone will love.

Need inspiration? Look around your home! Gift wrap patterns, festive wallpaper, or even your favourite holiday books can spark ideas for shapes, colours, and designs. You can also mix in small craft projects—like papier-mâché stars, painted pinecones, or handmade wreaths—to complement your edible ornaments and create a truly creative holiday display.

Stress-free table settings

When hosting Christmas dinner, serving can easily turn chaotic—especially with teenagers or friends who want to help. To keep things stress-free, consider a DIY buffet-style layout. Use large serving platters and label each dish with fun, festive name cards. A quick hack is to use colored paper and twine, matching each card to the flavours of the dish—it helps your guests navigate the table and makes the meal feel interactive.

Take the fun a step further with homemade Christmas crackers made from empty loo roll tubes. Wrap them in gorgeous gift paper, fill with little treats, sprinkles, or jokes, and place them at each setting. Add personalised place cards so everyone knows where to sit, and you can even theme the table and invite guests to dress up!

For smooth service, designate helpers—one person can carry in the food while another starts serving so nothing gets cold. These little tricks not only reduce stress for you my menopause friends out there but make the meal feel festive, collaborative, and memorable for everyone involved.

Festive themes and games

Transform your Christmas gathering into a truly magical experience with a fun theme! Whether it’s a classic Winter Wonderland, a Retro Christmas, or a quirky “Beach Bikini (Not in my house!)”, encourage guests to dress the part. Add themed décor—hanging snowflakes, twinkling lights, or even a festive pinata—to create an immersive, joyful atmosphere.

Keep the festive vibes high with games for all ages! Go for a Christmas scavenger hunt around the house, a trivia quiz on holiday movies or 2025 events, or a lively round of festive charades. You could also try Christmas Pictionary, holiday Bingo, a gingerbread house decorating contest, or a “guess the Christmas scent” challenge.

Last year, we had a blast with pass the parcel, steal, trade & swap, watching the prizes fly around the room! This year, everyone’s joining as a character from English literature for a game of “Who’s Coming to Dinner?”—and they’ll need to guess who’s who.

Print quiz sheets, gather a few small prizes, and let the laughter and friendly competition flow—making this Christmas fun, memorable, and stress-free for everyone! Especially you! These activities not only keep spirits high but also help the gathering stay relaxed and memorable for everyone, from teens to adults.

Effortless holiday ambience

Lighting is key to creating that warm, festive vibe in your home—and it can be done safely and stylishly! Wrap fairy lights around banisters, drape them across mantels, or weave them through your Christmas garlands to instantly lift your space. For a cozy glow, try solar garden lights to brighten up your gloomy December outdoors—they’re perfect for patios, pathways, or planters. Indoors, battery-operated candles are a game-changer: no dripping wax, no fire hazards, and you can light every candle in the house with ease.

You can find solar lights and battery candles at most homeware stores, garden centres, or online retailers like Amazon, John Lewis, or Argos. Choosing the right lighting gives you full control of your festive atmosphere—it’s empowering to set the mood your way!

Remember, the holidays are about joy and connection, not stress. By combining clever decorations, engaging family activities, and safe, beautiful lighting, you can create a Christmas that’s fun-filled, cozy, and fully under your control—even during menopause. Happy decorating, and may your Christmas holiday season be bright, warm, empowering and entirely yours!