Happy Momentum Monday (on a Sunday)!
Holy schnikees, we’re only 2 weeks out from Christmas! I swear it was just July…how did this happen?! Oh. Time blindness. Right. 😅
Anywho, holiday hosting season is here, and for a lot of us the pressure to create Pinterest-perfect meals and tablescapes might be creeping in. Let me stop you right there: you do not have to do it all. This week, we’re talking about how to simplify your holiday food and hosting so you can spend more time enjoying and less time stressing.
Want to dive deeper into your specific “brand” of ADHD?
Why Simplicity Wins for ADHD Brains:
For many of us, holiday hosting can spiral into a whirlwind of last-minute grocery runs, endless prep, and cooking until the wee hours. Our ADHD brains thrive on novelty and creativity, but we can also get overwhelmed by juggling all the things. Simplifying lets us focus on what matters most: creating a cozy vibe, delicious food, and memories—not perfection.
Key Habits for Simplified Holiday Food & Hosting:
- Go Potluck (Yes, Even You!)
Hosting doesn’t mean you have to make every dish! Ask guests to bring a dish they love. Potluck-style hosting eases your load, and everyone gets a chance to share their favorite recipe (or store-bought goodies—no judgment!). - Stick to One Star Dish
Instead of tackling an elaborate menu, focus on one “star dish” that you’re excited to make. It could be a family favorite or something you know will impress without stressing you out. Fill the rest of the table with easy sides, pre-made items, or dishes from your potluck crew. - Embrace “Semi-Homemade”
Frozen appetizers, boxed stuffing, and pre-made cookie dough are the real MVPs of holiday hosting. Jazz them up with a personal touch (add fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of glaze), and nobody will care they didn’t come from scratch. - Prep in Small Bursts
If the idea of prepping all at once feels overwhelming, break it into micro-tasks. Chop veggies the day before, set the table early, or prep dessert two days ahead. ADHD-friendly timers (hello, 15-minute bursts!) can help you get it done without losing focus.
Side note: Sometimes in order to protect our peace and reduce the chaos we have to take things down a notch or say no all together, which can be sad and annoying and frustrating. Sometimes we have to sit with the discomfort of FOMO so we’re not too beaten down with overwhelm and exhaustion to actually enjoy the parts that matter the most like spending time with our friends and family. I’m throwing that out there to let you know it’s ok if this doesn’t feel great. It’s ok to not feel great and still be a success and full of fun and magic. Just because things might look a little different doesn’t mean they are any less special and by allowing yourself to lower the bar you can make things even more spectacular and be present enough to appreciate it. Less is (often times) more.
Action Step for This Week:
Pick one standout dish to focus on for your holiday meal, and simplify or delegate the rest. Whether it’s asking guests to pitch in, relying on store-bought shortcuts, or batch-prepping ahead of time, give yourself permission to make this holiday meal easy and delicious.
P.S. If simplifying sounds like the vibe you need for the New Year too, join me for my workshop: “Strolling into the New Year Instead of Stumbling: How to Approach the New Year with Empowerment and Optimism.” It’s happening Dec. 19th from 6-7:30 PM (London Time), and we’ll explore ADHD-friendly ways to step into 2025 with calm, clarity, and confidence. Snag your spot and let’s make the new year yours!
Until next week, happy simplifying—you’ve got this!
Leah 🌶