Simplify the Holidays: Minimalist Tips for Busy Midlife Women with Shira Gill
Shira Gill
Organizing Expert & Best-selling Author
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Raise your hand (or glass?) if gift giving, cards, décor, hosting, and family expectations around the holidays STRESS. YOU. OUT. I see you.
But what if this year could feel different?
What if you could create a holiday season that feels joyful, calm, meaningful — and actually aligned with your life right now as a I-don’t-need-more-things-on-my-to-do-list midlife woman?
That’s exactly what today’s guest, Shira Gill, is helping us do.
Shira is a world-renowned organizing expert and the bestselling author of Minimalista, Organized Living, and Lifestyled. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, The New York Times, goop, Oprah Daily, and more. Her philosophy is simple:
“Minimalism isn’t about deprivation. It’s about having the perfect amount for you.”
And let me tell you—Shira is here to give you the 411 on how to get rid of sh*t you don’t need - including that thoughtful gift from your mother-in-law (bless her heart).
Why We Overbuy During the Holidays
Shira breaks down the real psychology behind our shopping habits. We talk dopamine hits, social pressure, and why “one more thing” never actually fills the void.
How to Give (and Receive) Gifts Without the Guilt
Here’s the quote that made me say F yes!
“I’m the gatekeeper of my home.”
Whether you love giving gifts or dread receiving ones that don’t fit your life, Shira shares practical ways to:
• set boundaries
• communicate your values
• give meaningful, clutter-free gifts
• and let go of items you don’t want… guilt-free
Including the exact script to use if someone asks where their gift went. (We all fear this - but does anyone actually do this??)
Décor That Sets the Vibe without Overdoing It
If you love decorating but hate storing bins and bins of stuff, Shira shares the simplest formula:
fresh greens & natural materials + candlelight or twinkle lights + music
It’s sensory, sustainable, beautiful — and requires almost zero storage.
Bonus: she shares stylist-approved tips for making things look polished without spending a ton of money or adding more clutter.
Hosting Without the Burnout
Shira is a big fan of snack boards, prepared foods, and giving yourself permission to stop cooking dishes you hate.
Her mantra:
“Good lighting, good music, good food — and less stress.”
If you’ve been hosting the same giant meal for years because “that’s what we’ve always done,” this part is for you.
The Midlife Mindset Shift: You’re in Charge Now
One of my favorite moments:
We talked about becoming the matriarchs of our own little families and giving ourselves permission to create our own traditions — not perform someone else’s.
This is midlife empowerment at its finest.
✨ Key Takeaways for a Simpler Holiday Season
1. Decide what you want your holiday to feel like. Do this early. Write it down.
2. Be the gatekeeper of your home. Say thank you, then release what doesn’t serve you.
3. Set the vibe, not the volume. Greens, candles, music, people. Done.
4. Simplifying makes space for joy, connection, and being present.
🎁 Easy Gift Idea
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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
About Shira Gill:
Shira Gill is a world-renowned organizing expert and the bestselling author of three books: Minimalista, Organized Living, and LifeStyled. She’s a sought-after expert for media outlets and has been featured by Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, TIME, People, Forbes, goop, Architectural Digest, Oprah Daily, Vogue, and The New York Times. Her popular newsletter The Life Edit inspires readers from all 50 states and 150 countries.
🎧 Other Episodes You Might Enjoy:
What Midlife Women Are Most Grateful For (A Crowdsourced Thanksgiving Episode)
Keeping Your Cool When Everyone (and Everything) is Triggering You
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Disclaimer:
Belong Wellness and its members, managers, employees, contractors, and other agents or representatives are not licensed medical care providers and do not provide medical services or advice, including without limitation diagnosing, examining, preventing, treating, or curing any medical conditions. The information shared in this podcast is meant to be educational, not prescriptive. Please consult your medical doctor before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. Further, the opinions of guests on this show do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Jessica or anyone affiliated with Belong Wellness.
