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Simplifying Our Holiday Celebrations
The holiday season is my absolute favorite time of year, and I’ve already begun the festivities. I’ve ordered matching pajamas for my four children, prepared their gift wish lists for their grandparents, and selected our holiday cards to send out to loved ones. We indulge in all the traditions: baking cookies, enjoying festive music, wrapping presents, penning letters to Santa, and finding the perfect outfits for Christmas Eve. Yet, this year, 2020 has thrown a wrench into our usual celebrations, thanks to the pandemic.
As parents, we face a choice this year. We could succumb to guilt and go overboard in creating a lavish holiday for our kids, or we could consider a different approach. What if we opted for a more mindful, simplified holiday experience?
With the ongoing pandemic, many of us are forgoing our usual holiday gatherings to keep our loved ones safe. We’re shopping online more than ever, missing the thrill of in-store holiday shopping. Previously, I loved wandering through the aisles of my favorite stores, latte in hand, filling my cart with decorations and gifts. Now, most items arrive at my door, and the holiday spirit feels different. We are different. The pandemic has reshaped our lives, leaving us to wonder how to approach this festive season during such challenging times.
Lila Johnson, a mother of two and author of the newly released book Celebrate a Minimalist Christmas: Slow Down, Save Money, and Enjoy a More Intentional Holiday, shared her journey toward minimalism. She found that motherhood drove her to embrace a simpler lifestyle. With a young child who was constantly on the move, she felt overwhelmed by the clutter and longed for more time to be present and engaged. This realization led her to declutter her home and focus on what truly mattered, allowing her family to create a holiday season that was both beautiful and meaningful.
Understanding Minimalism in Holiday Celebrations
At first, I feared that a minimalist holiday would mean a bare tree, no decorations, and a lack of festive spirit. However, Johnson clarified that minimalism isn’t about sacrificing joy or beauty during the holidays. Instead, it emphasizes intentionality in every aspect—your home, your finances, and your time. The goal is to slow down, consume less, and focus on the true essence of the season: togetherness and presence.
Recognizing the Advantages of a Minimalist Christmas
Johnson acknowledges the immense pressure surrounding the holidays, which can feel both exhausting and overwhelming. We often think that our celebrations must mirror those perfect images we see online to be meaningful. Advertisers bombard us with messages of needing more and better, adding to our stress. By choosing a minimalist approach, we can reclaim our time and reduce emotional and financial strain, ultimately creating a more joyful holiday experience.
Declutter Before the Holidays
Johnson recommends decluttering before the holiday rush begins. Take a moment to tidy up spaces such as your children’s rooms, winter clothing, and baking supplies. Clear out the living room, the hub of holiday activities, to make everything function smoothly throughout the season. This will leave you with more time and energy for activities you cherish, like baking your grandmother’s famous cookies.
When it comes to holiday decorations, Johnson advises tackling this task without the kids, who might resist letting go of sentimental items. Get rid of anything worn-out or no longer meaningful. If a decoration doesn’t hold value for your family, consider whether it’s time to part with it.
Plan Your Holiday Calendar
Start by jotting down any unchangeable events that have specific dates and times. Then, fill in the remaining days with holiday traditions that bring you joy, such as selecting a Christmas tree or taking a family drive to see festive lights. By scheduling these activities, you can create a slower, more enjoyable pace during the season.
Establish a Budget and Gift Expectations
Navigating holiday spending can be tricky, as every family has its own gift-giving traditions. Set a budget to understand your financial limits, and discuss gift expectations with your family. If you want to simplify gift-giving, consider options like a book exchange, drawing names, or a set dollar-limit per person. The four-gift rule—something they want, something they need, something to read, and something to wear—can also help streamline your gifting.
Keep COVID-19 Considerations in Mind
This pandemic has affected us all, including our finances. Johnson emphasizes the importance of shifting focus away from material gifts and toward meaningful experiences. Instead of placing all our hopes on a single day in December, let’s spread joy throughout the entire season, focusing on cherished traditions that don’t break the bank. “I truly believe that this holiday season will be the most magical and memorable of all because we are being forced to slow down and be more present,” states Johnson.
By intentionally crafting a minimalist holiday season, we may just be establishing a new tradition that can carry into future celebrations. Let’s prioritize safety and joy this season!