The holiday season 7 years ago is what began my minimalism journey. It is still very much a journey I don’t expect to have a destination, but it was that year, when I had just birthed my 3rd sweet baby and I had two toddlers, when Christmas day felt a daze. I wanted to enjoy it, but I was SO overwhelmed. It wasn’t a lack of gratitude for the blessings showered on my family, but a feeling of being so tired and not sure where I would find the energy to find a home for all of it, and just manage the level of “stuff” that 3 kids can mean. Over the years, as a mother, and as a professional organizer, I have seen how “less” really can lead to MORE of what really matters. Less stuff, less busyness, less expectations, less control, actually leads to more presence, more spontaneity, more ROOM to SEE the JOY. So while I don’t expect others to follow our humble attempts at minimalism and simplicity, there are a few ways that have helped me experience more joy during a bustling time of year that can often be overshadowed by excess.
Another motivation to simplify was to pay off our debt. And this year we finally did it! Below are a few ways we have simplified our holiday rhythm to be kinder to our wallet, to our schedule and therefore our -MY! - mind and heart!
Gifts
Don’t forget to edit the toy bin to make way for new gifts received this holiday season. Tackle this now before the calendar fills up with festive outings. This calms your spaces before more is added!
As far as gifting, purchasing gifts for lots of family, and potentially multiple gifts for each person, can feel overwhelming — especially if you don’t love shopping or don’t know what to buy! We have spent the last several years gifting a family experience to our kids that we can enjoy together. One year we gave amusement park season tickets, another year we enjoyed monthly family activities like checking out a new ice cream shop, going to a movie, or hiking a new trail.
Santa still brings the top item on the kids wish lists and fills stockings but we stick to our planned budget. They also receive gifts from extended family.
For gifting to others, we prefer gifting consumables like chocolate, handmade goodies along with a handmade ornament, or DIY gifts for the nephews and nieces. We also opt for supporting local businesses as much as possible, too! And don’t be afraid to ask your family if they have wish lists, if you can focus on giving just to the kids, or draw the name of just one family member.
Generosity
In our family, gift giving is also about teaching generosity. We have encouraged our kids to “shop the house” for their siblings and wrap them up, or give them $5 to purchase something to give to practice thinking of others (yes, we think this requires practice). Each year they also choose a “birthday gift for Jesus” that benefits a community in need. We keep a giving scrapbook for them to flip through on Christmas Eve to remember the true reason for the season. There are many great programs to encourage families to consider others ahead of their own wants.
Traditions
Gingerbread houses. Baking cookies. Tacky light tours. Tree decorating. Wreath making. Garden light displays. Family gatherings. Cookie swaps. Travel. There are so many ways to celebrate, and for this introvert and minimalist, I become easily overwhelmed. My husband and I grew up with some different traditions and holiday rhythms, so it has taken years to establish our own. If you’re easily overwhelmed, just pick a couple and don’t buy into the pressure to do it all. (preaching to myself!) Allow things to ebb and flow year to year.
The Meal
If you are gathering with family or friends, make it a pot-luck. No need for one family to do it all. In my experience, there is never a shortage of food, so perhaps leave a couple items off the menu or just choose one or two desserts to serve instead of 5. Don’t be afraid to delegate with a specific request, asking “Can you please bring XYZ”? And lastly, no need to reinvent the wheel by coming up with a new and different menu each year. Sometimes family favorites simplifies how much time your mind has to think through what to serve. Minimize those decisions!
Decor
If you are trying to simplify, this might be the easiest area to minimize. When you pull out your decorations, really consider what you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and holds joy-filled memories. If it’s a pain to put out, or store after the season, maybe it’s time to pass it on. Consider using natural decor like greenery or pine cones from the yard that can be composted later instead of stored. Decide how much space you have to store holiday items and stick to that limit (i.e. 5 bins in the attic or 3 under the bed storage bins). If you find the need for more bins, it’s time to declutter!
