49: Simplify the Holidays: Minimalist Tips for Busy Midlife Women with Shira Gill

Raise your hand (or glass?) if gift giving, cards, décor, hosting, and family expectations around the holidays STRESS. YOU. OUT. I see you.

In this episode, world-renowned organizing expert and bestselling author Shira Gill shares minimalist strategies that help busy midlife women simplify the holidays without sacrificing joy.

We cover:

✔️Why we keep buying things we don’t need — and how to break the cycle

✔️How to handle unwanted gifts without guilt

✔️Décor ideas that create a festive atmosphere (without more bins to store)

✔️Hosting and entertaining strategies that don’t require two days of cooking

✔️How to set boundaries, reset expectations, and design a calmer holiday season

Shira’s philosophy: Minimalism isn’t about deprivation — it’s about having the perfect amount for you.

If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “next year, I’m keeping it simple,” this conversation is your roadmap for how to do just that.

🎁 Easy gift idea: Share this episode with a friend!

Connect with Shira:

Website: shiragill.com

Substack: The Life Edit

Books: Minimalista, Organized Living, Lifestyled

Episode Highlights:

02:39 Shira's Definition of Minimalism

09:10 How to Avoid Excess Everything during the Holidays

13:13 How to Handle Gifts You Don't Want

16:43 How to Give a Great Gift

20:29 How to Be Thoughtful, Not Excessive, with Decorations

25:21 Simple Home Styling Tips

27:12 Host a Holiday Meal without Going Overboard

30:08 Decide Ahead of Time How You Want Your Holiday to Feel

37:46 Key Takeaways

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