We have Normal Rockwell ideas in our head about what Christmas should be… but it doesn’t always look like that, does it? Sometimes the holidays can be far from delightful.
In this episode, I chat about three major areas you can simplify (pretty easily, if you’re up for it!) in order to take back some control of your season.
1. GIFT GIVING
- Functionality vs Frivolity. Don’t buy socks and underwear for everyone. Buy them a different day, not Christmas 🙂 But is there something cool and useful that someone would like? ASK people what they want! We don’t like having those conversations, but if gift-giving is your love language, take the time to buy someone what they want.
- Buy experiences or consumables vs stuff. Consider memberships that keep giving throughout the year, outings to experience as a family, etc. Very few of us need more stuff, but making memories together is a gift most people will cherish much longer.
- If you’re buying toys, invest in things that last (both physically and from an entertainment standpoint). Toys where a child pushes a button and gets the same outcome each time will get tossed aside far more quickly than something that provides creative outlets and endless opportunity.
2. DECOR
- If decorating your house like a page from pottery barn or a pin from Pinterest doesn’t bring you joy, but instead stresses you out? STOP IT.
- It’s seriously that simple, but I provide a little more insight on my journey there, since it’s not that easy to actually implement. [spp-tweet “If something is beautiful or provides meaning, keep (doing) it. If not, don’t.”]
3. ACTIVITIES AND HOLIDAY SCHEDULES
For most of my life, especially after having kids, I wanted to do #alltheholidaythings – movies, activities, etc. I still often do, but have learned that the holiday season – like the rest of our year – shouldn’t be about a list to check off but about experiences to actually live.
- Make a realistic list of a few must-dos and block out just a little time on your calendar for those things.
- Keep the rest as margin – things will probably try to fill your time anyway, why over-schedule from the start?
Bonus outcomes from changing your mindset and simplifying the holidays:
- Giving intentionally (or forgoing gifts in some cases) gives ample opportunity to talk to kids – and adults alike – about how much we have, other people who have far less, needs vs wants, etc.
- Sticking to a lower budget (yes, have a budget!) is a good financial move for many of us. The people who love you don’t want to see you strapped with debt just to give them another gift.
- Adding more margin to your schedule allows more time to serve together.
Resources Mentioned
35 Gifts your kids will Never Forget by Joshua Becker
The Clutter-free Gift Guide from Slow Your Home
18 Non-Toy Gifts for Children from Nourishing Minimalism
Simplify the Holidays from the Art of Simple
And especially important if you’re feeling alone this season…
How to Survive (and Thrive) the Holidays when you Feel Alone by Leo Babauta
Now tell me… what’s the worst gift you’ve ever received? 🙂
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