Clutter Free Academy

With Christmas just around the corner, the pressure to have everything perfect can feel overwhelming. But what if peace—not perfection—was the goal this holiday season?In this quick but powerful episode, Kathi and Roger Lipp offer a lifeline for anyone feeling the holiday crunch. Whether you're hosting family, juggling last-minute preparations, or simply trying to enjoy the season without burning out, this episode delivers exactly what you need: practical, doable tasks that will transform your Christmas experience.What You'll Discover in This EpisodeKathi and Roger share their top 10 tasks for December 23rd that will pay off big on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These aren't deep-cleaning projects or Pinterest-worthy overhauls—they're real, achievable actions designed for busy people who want to actually enjoy their holiday.Key Takeaways:Cook three dishes ahead of time - One side, one breakfast item, one dessert to free up oven and fridge space when guests arriveFocus only on main areas - Living room, kitchen, and guest bath get priority; skip the deep cleanPut away 90% of wrapping supplies - Keep one roll of paper, a few bags, tape, scissors, and a Sharpie accessibleThink through the needs of the day - Extra toilet paper, trash bag liners, paper towels positioned and readyPick your outfit starting with shoes - Comfort is key when you're hosting and running aroundClean out the fridge - Make room for dishes, platters, and leftoversDo all the dishes you can - Run that dishwasher even if it's only three-quarters fullGuest bathroom two-minute rescue - Quick wipe, clean mirror, fresh towel, restock suppliesSend a "here's the plan" text - Arrival times, parking, what to bring—predecisions equal peaceFive-minute joy setup - Turn on the tree, light candles, play Christmas musicNight-Before Quick WinsThe episode also covers essential night-before tasks: setting up your coffee station, doing a 10-minute surface sweep, laying out serving dishes with post-it labels, and charging all devices. Roger's pro tip about running the dishwasher even when it's not full is a game-changer for keeping your kitchen under control.As Kathi reminds listeners: "Today is not a day for perfection. Today is a day for peaceful triage." This episode gives you permission to let go of the overwhelming to-do list and focus on what actually matters—creating a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas for you and your loved ones.Remember: Peace is an act of resistance. Let's resist the overwhelm together this Christmas season.

Show Notes

With Christmas just around the corner, the pressure to have everything perfect can feel overwhelming. But what if peace—not perfection—was the goal this holiday season?

In this quick but powerful episode, Kathi and Roger Lipp offer a lifeline for anyone feeling the holiday crunch. Whether you're hosting family, juggling last-minute preparations, or simply trying to enjoy the season without burning out, this episode delivers exactly what you need: practical, doable tasks that will transform your Christmas experience.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

Kathi and Roger share their top 10 tasks for December 23rd that will pay off big on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. These aren't deep-cleaning projects or Pinterest-worthy overhauls—they're real, achievable actions designed for busy people who want to actually enjoy their holiday.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cook three dishes ahead of time - One side, one breakfast item, one dessert to free up oven and fridge space when guests arrive

  • Focus only on main areas - Living room, kitchen, and guest bath get priority; skip the deep clean

  • Put away 90% of wrapping supplies - Keep one roll of paper, a few bags, tape, scissors, and a Sharpie accessible

  • Think through the needs of the day - Extra toilet paper, trash bag liners, paper towels positioned and ready

  • Pick your outfit starting with shoes - Comfort is key when you're hosting and running around

  • Clean out the fridge - Make room for dishes, platters, and leftovers

  • Do all the dishes you can - Run that dishwasher even if it's only three-quarters full

  • Guest bathroom two-minute rescue - Quick wipe, clean mirror, fresh towel, restock supplies

  • Send a "here's the plan" text - Arrival times, parking, what to bring—predecisions equal peace

  • Five-minute joy setup - Turn on the tree, light candles, play Christmas music

Night-Before Quick Wins

The episode also covers essential night-before tasks: setting up your coffee station, doing a 10-minute surface sweep, laying out serving dishes with post-it labels, and charging all devices. Roger's pro tip about running the dishwasher even when it's not full is a game-changer for keeping your kitchen under control.

As Kathi reminds listeners: "Today is not a day for perfection. Today is a day for peaceful triage." This episode gives you permission to let go of the overwhelming to-do list and focus on what actually matters—creating a peaceful, joy-filled Christmas for you and your loved ones.

Remember: Peace is an act of resistance. Let's resist the overwhelm together this Christmas season.

What is Clutter Free Academy?

Have you always known you could change the world - if only you could find your car keys on the regular?
Clutter Free Academy is for you. If you want to live clutter free, organized and prepared for anything, this is to podcast you must listen to.
With practical ideas and tons of hope, humor and how-tos, host Kathi Lipp with teach you to live with Less Cutter, More Life.