Why I Keep the Holidays Low-Key - modernfamilyblog.com

pregnant woman in pink dress sitting on bed

Friends, it’s not that I dislike the holidays; I simply feel indifferent about them. I’m not one for sentimentality, and I generally prefer to operate at a bare minimum level. If it involves planning, decorating, or preparing special meals, there’s almost a guarantee it won’t get done. If I can skip a Secret Santa or white elephant exchange, I will! (And yes, I’ll use my kids and partner as an excuse without hesitation.) To be honest, I find most holiday traditions a bit cheesy, and the idea of forced cheer clashes with my sarcastic nature.

Let’s be real, I’m exhausted. Why does parenting often mean turning mundane tasks into grand events? I enjoy finding magic in everyday moments, but why does that have to equate to more work for me? (Sure, my husband could help, but let’s keep it realistic.) If it were up to me, we wouldn’t even bother with a tree (ours is still up from last year), gifts (which we don’t do), or outdoor lights (oh wait, those are still up too). I don’t see the point in visiting family during peak holiday times either.

Seasonal Decorating? Not Happening Here

I’m baffled by the obsession with mantle decor and seasonal wreaths. First off, I lack the space to store all that stuff (yes, I mean stuff), and even if I had the space, I wouldn’t want to.

Stuff doesn’t equal joy. Why do we equate consumerism with happiness? Just because you buy a mountain of gifts doesn’t mean your kids are having a great time or creating lasting memories. In fact, I’d argue that the more stuff you have, the more stress you invite. Otherwise, why is the KonMari method so popular?

My Kids Aren’t Missing Out

They’re not deprived of joy or fun just because my partner and I don’t give them presents. My mother is generous with gifts, and when my mother-in-law was alive, she spoiled them rotten. Even though my brother and I have agreed to not exchange gifts, he still insists on sending presents to my kids, which means I have to send something to his. I’d much prefer cash that I could quickly deposit into their accounts, but I get it—money isn’t as exciting to kids.

Before you call me a Grinch, know that my reasons are practical. With four kids, just the gifts from their grandparents and my brother mean at least 12 new toys in our house. When you add birthday presents into the mix, we’re looking at 24 to 36 new toys each year. Honestly, unless they’re opening gifts next to friends who have received a ton, my kids hardly notice what they lack. Every day feels like Christmas to them; they usually get what they want.

And, not to sound cliché, but my kids often have more fun with the boxes their gifts come in than with the toys themselves. They’ve transformed boxes into everything from dinosaurs to sleds—whatever their imagination conjures.

Let Me Enjoy the Bare Minimum

I truly admire those who go all out for the holidays—many of my friends dive deep into festive traditions, cookie swaps, and all the seasonal cheer. I appreciate their joy and happily like their posts while being grateful that I don’t have to engage in those activities.

So if I can muster the cold-hearted generosity to appreciate my friends’ holiday spirit, please allow me to find happiness in simply doing the bare minimum…and dreaming of being reincarnated as a rock in my next life.

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Summary:

The author expresses a nonchalant attitude towards holiday festivities, preferring to keep things low-key. They find traditional celebrations overwhelming and unnecessary, choosing to embrace a minimalist approach for their family. Despite not engaging in typical holiday practices, the author reassures readers that their children are not deprived of joy and that simplicity can lead to creativity and happiness.

Keyphrase: Minimalist Holiday Celebrations

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