As soon as summer ends, many of us are already counting down the days to Christmas. After all, what is better than a chilly Christmas morning, drinking hot cocoa, and opening presents from a dear loved one? But while we are excited, many of us often feel the heavy weight of stress as we envision all of the work that needs to get done in order to make the holidays magical.
Despite Christmas being one of my favorite holidays, every year, I can’t help but feel stressed as I map out all the tasks that need to get done to make the holidays magical. I often find myself yearning for the days of childhood, when everything seemed to happen with Christmas magic.
From buying and wrapping gifts to decorating the house, it all can seem like a huge endeavor, especially when you are an exhausted parent just struggling during the day-to-day. Sometimes the holidays can be ruined by the stress of it all, which is why it’s important to use all the help you can get. From holiday decorating ideas to gift wrapping hacks to keeping kids entertained with holiday crafts, a little extra help around the holidays is something everyone can use.
Here are a few TikTok hacks to make things simpler this season.
Kids Holiday Activity Ideas
Elf on the Shelf Arrival
December 1st is when most Elf on the Shelf arrivals happen. Be ready with this super easy hack from Caitlin at The Mama Notes featuring a shipping box (who doesn’t have one of those lying around) and a printable label from Etsy.
@themamanotes An EASY #ElfOnTheShelf ♬ Like It’s Christmas – Jonas Brothers
Kids Sensory Tree Activity
If you’re looking for a simple Christmas tree sensory activity, this is one of my favorites for toddlers from Emerald Outlaw. It is wonderful for children who want to decorate the tree but don’t have the skills to place fancy ornaments on the real tree yet.
@emerald_outlawSensory play Christmas tree 🎄😍 Idea from @craftymoms #WeekendVibes #diychristmascrafts #kidsartsandcrafts #sensoryplay #sensoryplaytoddler♬ Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Easy Christmas Tree Crafts
This cute little craft idea from The Best Ideas for Kids should keep the kids entertained for a bit while parents take turns wrapping presents and supervising.
@bestideasforkidsPopsicle Stick Ornaments – Snowman ⛄️, Santa 🎅🏻 & a Christmas Tree 🎄 #Christmascrafts #christmascraft #craftymom #craftsforkids #kidscrafts♬ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Michael Bublé
Christmas Tree Hacks
Christmas Tree Lights Hack
Let’s talk about Liz’s light trick that she found while watching TikTok. She places the lights vertically on the Christmas tree to make removal easier in case a light goes out, and as a bonus, less lights are needed to cover the tree.
@lizloveryWow what a difference this made! Thank you @mrsclarehoops ! 🎄 #HolidayVibes #christmas #holidaydecor #homedecor #decortips #IntroVideo #hometips♬ O, Christmas Tree – Christmas
Christmas Tree Decorating Hack
Nikki talks about working smarter, not harder when filling out your Christmas trees. She fills the tree’s gaps with garland in the easiest way I’ve seen so far!
@nikkimanschpommies #decorhacks #christmastiktok #holidays #hometips #interiors♬ original sound – nikkimansch
Fresh Christmas Tree Tip
Everyone’s favorite TikTok Grandma Babs has a great tip to keep your live Christmas healthy and hydrated.
@brunchwithbabs The big announcement week!!! Three tips to keeping your Christmas tree alive. #holidaycountdown ♬ original sound – everyone’s grandmother
Gifts and Wrapping Holiday Hacks
Tiffany’s Gifting Hack
When you don’t know what to gift someone, consider this budget gifting hack from Follow Me Away that looks much more expensive than it is (hint: it comes in a blue box from Tiffany’s)!
@followmeawayShare this ultimate holiday hack with a friend! #UpTheBeat #luxury #present #unboxing # #learnontiktok #lifehack #fyp #christmas #christmasgiftideas♬ Disney – Steven Esso
Dollar Store Gifting Hacks
For those of us on a budget or just looking to save some money, Tayglo shares these are some cute and crafty Christmas DIY gifting ideas using common holiday items from the dollar store.
@tayglostyle@Dollartree #christmashacks #christmasonabudget #budgetholiday #diydollartree #dollartree #holidaydiy #onabudget #dollartreehacks #fyp♬ Stuck in the Middle – Tai Verdes
Create a Card Pocket with Gift Wrap
If you hate how cards tend to get lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I am obsessed with this gift wrapping hack from Chelsea Williamson that utilizes the gift wrap as a pocket for cards.
@chelseawilliamsonThis is the best Christmas wrapping HACK I ever learnt! Give it a try ✨ #christmaswrappingtips #wrappinghack #xmas2020 #festiveseasontiktok♬ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Natalie Taylor
The Gift Wrapping Tool You Need
This is one of the simplest yet most effective inventions that will make your life a million times easier. I know I’m not the only one who struggles to cut wrapping paper (not to mention losing the scissors a dozen times), so if you struggle like me, this is a great tool.
@littleelfgiftwrapcutterThe solution to your holiday headaches. Thank you, Little ELF! 😅🎄 #christmas #holidayhacks #giftwrapping #foryoupage #xmas #giftwrappinghacks #fyp♬ Christmas Bells – StudioKolomna
Holiday Meal Hacks
Easy Elegant Holiday Appetizer
Only four ingredients are needed for this easy appetizer from Ashley of @whatashleyeats using Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and a wheel of Brie cheese.
@whatashleyeats These holiday #briebites are SO GOOD Y’ALL. Perfect for thanksgiving and the holiday season! Save this post for your next get together #bakedbriebites #cranberrybriebites #brierecipe #holidayappetizer #holidayappetizers #holidayrecipe #holidayrecipeideas ♬ It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas – Michael Bublé
Potato Peeling Hack
When it comes to many American holiday celebrations, potatoes will be present at most big gatherings. And since I hate unpeeled potatoes, this hack from Shannon Doherty will make peeling a breeze.
@athomewithshannonBEST POTATO PEELING HACK 💡 Follow along for more HOLIDAY Hacks & Ideas! #hacks #lifehack♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod
Healthier Stuffing Hack
For those of us who are looking for healthier alternatives this holiday season, this idea of using quinoa instead of stuffing from Danielle Brown @healthygirlkitchen looks like a yummy option.
@healthygirlkitchenThis is the ULTIMATE health hack for Thanksgiving 🙌🏼 full recipe link in bio✨ #ad #thanksgiving #veganrecipe #healthhack #glutenfree @josiesorganics♬ FEEL THE GROOVE – Queens Road, Fabian Graetz
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated for timeliness.