Podcast Summary: Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Episode: More Happier: Deck the Halls! 24 Quick Tasks to Get Holiday-Ready [Revisited]
Date: November 8, 2025
Hosts: Gretchen Rubin and Elizabeth Craft

Episode Overview

This "More Happier" episode revisits Gretchen and Elizabeth's much-loved “Deck the Halls” episode, offering 24 quick, practical tasks to reduce holiday chaos and make the season smoother. The hosts encourage listeners to complete manageable, one-minute-ish tasks—actions your future self will thank you for. Their aim: to help listeners move from overwhelm to enjoyment as the holidays approach by focusing on preparation, intentionality, and a few fun traditions.

Main Themes & Purpose

• Reducing Holiday Stress: Break down preparations into bite-sized, actionable steps.
• Cultivating Happiness: Practicality makes for a happier, less frazzled holiday.
• Gamification: Encouraging the use of a bingo card to make tasks more engaging.
• Togetherness & Intention: Emphasize connecting with loved ones and embracing traditions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Deck the Halls: The Concept

• This episode revisits a previous “Clear the Decks” exercise (from episode 443) but with a seasonal twist.
• The 24 quick holiday tasks can be followed in real time or later; a bingo card is available for gamification at happiercast.com/deckthehalls.
• Most tasks can be done in about a minute, but some are more involved—listeners should interpret them flexibly.

“Something that can be done at any time is often done at no time.”
— Gretchen Rubin [05:03]

2. The 24 Tasks: Highlights & Notable Insights

[08:16–29:03]
The hosts alternate, explaining each task with personal anecdotes, why it matters, and tips for making it easier.

1-6: Get Ready & Get Organized

• Set a date for decorating — Put it on the calendar to avoid last-minute scramble.
• Take inventory of baking supplies — Avoid mid-bake panic.
• Declutter decorations — Donate what you won’t use; don’t let storage become a hassle.
• Connect with a childhood friend — Send a note, text, or email.
• Clear fridge/freezer — Make room for leftovers and incoming holiday foods.
• Plan holiday outfits — Check for gaps ahead of time.

7-12: Proactive Planning

• Identify five gifts to buy — Start your list early.
• Sign up as an organ donor [11:13] — Takes seconds, can save lives.

  “You do not need one minute to do this. Go to donatelife.net... You can do it from your sofa or your desk.”
  — Gretchen Rubin [11:18]

• Check gift wrap supplies — Include tape, tags, and ribbons.
• Buy batteries — “So many gifts require batteries...good to have all the different sizes.” — Elizabeth Craft [12:31]
• Make year-end charitable contributions — Get it done before 12/31.
• Add items to your own wish list — Help others shop for you.

13-18: Mood & Meaning

• Create a Five Senses portrait of your ideal holiday [17:59]
  • For example, a “Kansas City Christmas.”

  “One thing I love about doing the portrait... is it gets you in the holiday mood.”
  — Elizabeth Craft [18:04]

• Listen to your favorite holiday song — From traditional carols (Gretchen loves “Good King Wenceslaus”) to pop favs (“Santa Baby” for Elizabeth).
• Take the Gift Giving Quiz (gretchenrubin.com/quiz) — Get inspiration for gift ideas.
• Add a fun seasonal activity to your calendar — “Escape room” is a Craft family holiday tradition.
• Order holiday card stamps (if you’re a cards person).
• Bonus: Free space on the bingo card — Add your own essential task.

19-24: Festive Flourishes

• Choose a theme word or phrase for the season

  “Ring a ling from Silver Bells...that’s going to remind me to have fun.”
  — Elizabeth Craft [22:15]
  “Mine is the phrase ‘laughing all the way’ from Jingle Bells.”
  — Gretchen Rubin [22:22]

• Write a ‘to do’ or ‘could do’ list — Rebels may prefer “might-could” lists.
• Finalize any undecided holiday plans — Solidify travel, guests, etc.
• Buy seasonal greenery or flowers — Poinsettias for Elizabeth; narcissus is Gretchen’s perennial internal debate.
• Eat a holiday treat from your childhood — Family favorites include peanut butter chocolate cookies and Topsy’s popcorn.
• Pick a holiday movie in advance — Prevent the group indecision!

  “My own personal favorite is the original Miracle on 34th Street. I tear up every time…”
  — Gretchen Rubin [28:06]
  “We often watch Elf. This year we’ll watch Die Hard.”
  — Elizabeth Craft [28:28]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you do this along with us, by the time you finish listening, you will have accomplished a lot.” — Gretchen Rubin [05:16]
• “Give yourself credit. Even checking off one or two things can make a real difference.” — Elizabeth Craft [29:03]
• “Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. That is a secret of adulthood from Voltaire.” — Gretchen Rubin [29:09]
• “The best time to start a happiness project is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” — Gretchen Rubin [29:27]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [05:03] — Introduction to the deck-the-halls bingo card and one-minute tasks
• [08:16–29:03] — Walkthrough of the 24 tasks (with reasons and anecdotes)
• [17:59] — The “Five Senses Portrait” activity
• [21:55] — Choosing a seasonal word or phrase
• [28:06] — Discussing (and debating) holiday movie picks
• [29:03] — Encouragement to celebrate even small wins

Tone & Style

Warm, practical, and accessible—Gretchen and Elizabeth are supportive, a little self-mocking, and enthusiastically festive, always focused on ways to make happiness attainable.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

This episode equips you with a concrete list of 24 quick holiday “to dos” designed to reduce stress and increase joy—backed by the hosts’ lived experience and a bit of humor. Whether you use the bingo card or just pick one or two tips, the goal is to feel “a little less overwhelmed going into the holidays.”

Tip: You can find the bingo card and more resources at happiercast.com/deckthehalls.

End of summary.