Kim Kubsch
Figure out what you don’t like. What aspect of the holiday feels like a burden? Or stressful or too commercial? Or sending Christmas cards or standing in line to mail items? The terrible feeling of bloat from overeating.
Creating new holiday experiences around a few things you love will go a long way to simplifying Christmas. By granting your family, friends, children, and grandchildren the gift of time and attention, the holidays can feel less commercial. Be tough, and set firm limits for spending on decorations, parties, and gifts.
Explore other traditions you may like to adopt. Or maybe return Christmas to its humble beginnings. Or be unconventional, like buying food for the homeless. Decide on the approach that works best for you to experience a holiday of delight, peace, and joy of a simple Christmas.
Are you associating food with love? Are you wearing yourself out preparing a huge meal, and then you are too exhausted to enjoy it? Maybe it’s time to get out of the kitchen and just make a reservation. If dining at a restaurant is not a good option, search for catering options or supermarket/deli options where you can pick up exactly what you want.
Think about skipping the tree this year, and consider having one symbol of the holiday, like a poinsettia centerpiece or mantle décor. Or place all your ornaments in a large glass bowl and use them as a centerpiece.
Remember, less is more. Creating a meaningful Christmas without gifts is a very effective way of simplifying. How about inviting each family member to take a photo, then take a large group photo during your celebration and share all of them digitally or in print.
Consider exchanging your treasures, which are a form of gift. This idea is a fun, simple way to give and receive during the holidays without shopping, going into debt, or adding to our landfill.
Simplifying grandparenting or narrow the focus and request the school age grandkids provide a list of educational gifts and/or educational experiences and events. And simplify the teacher’s life and skip the trinket gifts or make it consumable, since they are practical. Edibles are not the only consumables—consider soaps, bathing salts, and essential oils. Beware of the catalog trap and social media ads. Disregard them and keep your focus. Christmas can be about the spirit, not the shopping mall.
Or give to someone who needs it. By taking items to the fire department, food drives throughout the community, veteran groups, or to a thrift store, those in need are within reach. If you don’t see venues nearby, post the question on Nextdoor.com.
Sometimes it is challenging to change our long-held group practices. Don’t cave in. As you take steps to simplify your holiday this year, and future years, focus on how the holiday will bring peace and joy, not pressure.
Stay tuned for monthly articles about decluttering, downsizing, organizing, making transitions, and clearing of estates.
Call me at 480-720-8566 to learn about my free 30-minute consultation or to speak to your group. Or reach me by email at [email protected]. My website is www.JoyfulDOWNSIZING.com.