Posted by Tastefully Simple on November 28, 2025
The holidays are meant to be full of laughter, cozy moments and meaningful time with the people we love most. But let’s be honest: between shopping lists, meal planning, school events and an endless swirl of to-dos, it’s easy for the season to feel more hectic than happy.
At Tastefully Simple, we believe the holidays should feel less like a marathon and more like a string of memory-making moments. We’ve gathered our favorite family-friendly tips to help you simplify the season, make space for joy and soak in what really matters.
Stress-Free Meal Prep: Keep It Simple
Opt for quick and simple meals. Use your slow cooker. Make meals ahead and double for leftovers to save time on busy nights.
Try these ideas:
- ONE Pan Meal Mixes make mealtime quick and easy with simple prep and minimal clean up time. Have dinner on the table in only 30 minutes with ONE Pan Chicken Tortellini Mix or ONE Pan Fajita Mix.
- Theme nights like “Soup & Sandwich Sunday” or “Taco Tuesday” take the guesswork out of planning. Try Tastefully Simple’s Perfectly Potato Cheddar Soup Mix. Just add water and simmer for 15 minutes. Now that’s dinner in a hurry!
- Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Add ingredients in the morning and come home to a ready-to-enjoy dinner. Check out the ONE POT Meal Mixes like ONE Pot Queso Beef & Rice and ONE Pot Mandarin Orange Beef.
- Batch bake with our easy-to-make beer bread or cake mixes means you’ll always have a comforting treat on hand to enjoy with dinner, for guests or just a cozy night in.
- Get the whole family involved. Even little ones can help with stirring, setting the table or taste-testing cookies (their favorite job). It’s a great way to turn meal prep into family time.
Gift Giving with Heart, Not Hype
Gift giving doesn’t have to be expensive or exhausting. A thoughtful, simple gift can mean more than something fancy and last-minute.
Go homemade.
- Bake a few batches of cookies or mini loaves using our mixes and wrap them with care (check out our blog on creative gift-wrapping ideas for inspiration!).
- Pair with a handwritten note or a drawing from the kids for a heartfelt touch.
Simplify your gift list.
- Try drawing names for a family gift exchange instead of buying for everyone.
- For extended family, consider experience gifts – like a movie night basket with our Popcorn Seasoning Sampler or a DIY apple cider kit with Caramelicious™ Apple Drink Mix and mugs.
- Get your friends together for a holiday Bread Art Class or Charcuterie Board experience led by a TS Ambassador. Find a TS Ambassador in your local area here.
Add a bow and go.
- Ready-to-give gift boxes from Tastefully Simple save you time and gift-wrapping effort. Add a bow and gift tag and you’re ready to make someone’s day with a gift they get to enjoy twice – once when they receive it and again when they make what’s inside.
- Our favorite gifts this season include the new Artisan Avocado Oil Set, Cozy Comfort and the Sweet Stack Gift Box.
Let the Season Be Simple
You don’t have to do it all to make the holidays meaningful. Sometimes, the best memories are made during the quiet, messy, perfectly imperfect moments – burnt cookies, crooked ornaments and all.
With a little planning, a touch of creativity and a whole lot of heart, you can create a season that’s less stressful and more joyful for the whole family. This year, let’s take a deep breath, slow down and remember that it’s not about perfection; it’s about connection.
Wishing you warmth, peace and time to enjoy all the moments.
P.S. Need a shortcut to comfort and joy?
Explore our quick and delicious baking mixes – made to bring people together and make your holidays a little easier (and a lot tastier).