The holiday season is already upon us—yikes! How did December get here so quickly? At this time of year, there is so much pressure to cram as much into your schedule as possible and “shop ’til you drop.” However, there is a limited amount of time in life, and how we spend that time matters. That’s why I believe simplifying the season with less hustle and bustle will lead to a better, more enjoyable holiday.
Traditions and Expectations
Start simplifying by reviewing your traditions. Some of them may no longer fit your family’s needs. For instance, teenagers may be done with milk and cookies for Santa, and vegetarian in-laws might not want turkey for dinner. After examining your traditions, set clear expectations for the holiday. Choose which traditions to keep and which new ones to try.
Minimalist Gift Giving Ideas
Some of you will want to keep the gift-giving holiday tradition. One of the best minimalist gift-giving suggestions came from one of my clients. Every holiday season, they give a charitable donation on someone’s behalf. You can even buy a goat or a chicken for someone less fortunate in the name of a loved one.
Think about the things your family members or friends enjoy. If they are “foodies,” consider sending them a gift certificate to a local restaurant or gourmet grocery store. No matter where they are in the world, the internet will allow you to shop in their local area without ever leaving your house! Here are some of my favourite low-clutter gift-giving ideas.
Plan for Incoming Stuff
I was chatting with a client who has four children. We discussed the quantity of gifts they should be ready to organize after the holidays. In fact, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead for storing new items. Fortunately, we finished organizing and redecorating the TV/playroom just in time for the holiday season. And, thanks to the new furniture they added, the room now has enough storage to hold everything.
To get ahead of the holiday rush, check out the seven steps to an organized Christmas, and my tips to help you get organized for the holidays.
Simplifying the Season by Taking a Trip
If you can pull it off, leave town! I’m not kidding. A quiet holiday with loved ones can be very relaxing. You will be away from the chaos without having to worry about cooking, decorating, visiting, or anything else. I know it’s a radical approach, but it is certainly worth considering, don’t you think? You don’t need to travel very far. In fact, staying close to home (or even taking a staycation) means you can spend more time relaxing and less time getting there and back. Even if you’re only an hour or two from home, you still get the benefits of a vacation.
Shift the Holiday Focus to Giving Back
We could make the holiday season more about sharing ourselves and our time rather than buying gifts. After all, don’t we have enough stuff? What if we focused on those who have nothing or no one? What can each of us do during this time of year that will truly make a difference to someone else?
Consider volunteering at a local charity this holiday season. Or contribute to a program in your community that provides gifts for seniors. Giving your time to a cause you care about can be a rewarding experience, and it feels especially meaningful this time of year.
Enjoy and Appreciate
By simplifying the season, you focus on what matters most. Spending and doing less helps you return to work refreshed, without overspending or exhaustion, making the holidays more meaningful and enjoyable.