The holiday season is my favorite time of the year, and preparations have already begun. I’ve picked out matching Christmas pajamas for my four kids, their wish lists are ready for the grandparents, and we’ve chosen holiday cards to send to family and friends. We usually embrace all the traditions: baking cookies, enjoying Christmas tunes, wrapping gifts, writing letters to Santa, and finding the perfect outfits for Christmas Eve church services. However, this year, the pandemic has shifted everything, including our holiday celebrations.
As parents, we find ourselves at a crossroads. We can either feel overwhelmed and attempt to create an extravagant holiday experience for our children or we can choose a simpler, more mindful approach. What if we opted for a holiday season that emphasizes intention and simplicity?
Due to the pandemic, many of us are forgoing traditional holiday gatherings to keep our loved ones safe. We’re also shopping online more than ever, missing the thrill of browsing through stores. The reality is that things have changed, and we have changed too. In the face of a global pandemic, how do we navigate the holiday season?
Samantha Green, a mother of two and author of the recently released book Creating a Minimalist Christmas: Slow Down, Save Money, and Enjoy a More Meaningful Holiday, shared her journey. She found that motherhood led her to embrace minimalism. Faced with the chaos of a busy household, she realized that owning less would free up time for what truly mattered—being present with her children.
Understanding Minimalism During the Holidays
Initially, I worried that a minimalist Christmas would mean sacrificing the joy and magic of the season—no festive decorations, no cookie-baking, and dull holiday music. However, Samantha reassured me that minimalism is not about deprivation. It’s about being intentional with our time, budget, and home. The aim is to slow down, consume less, and truly appreciate the togetherness that the holidays offer.
The Benefits of a Minimalist Holiday
Recognizing the pressures of the holiday season can be daunting. We often feel overwhelmed by the expectation to create a picture-perfect celebration. Advertisers bombard us with messages that we need more to be happy. Add daily life and holiday commitments into the mix, and it’s no wonder we’re drained! Embracing a minimalist Christmas allows us to reclaim our time and reduce stress, making for a more joyful holiday.
Decluttering Before the Holidays
Samantha suggests that we start decluttering now instead of scrambling to make space during the holiday rush. Take a moment to quickly tidy up areas like your children’s rooms, winter clothing, baking items, and especially your living room, where holiday magic unfolds. The goal is to create a more seamless environment, leaving you with energy for the things you love most, like baking your grandma’s famous cookies.
While decluttering, consider your holiday décor as well. Samantha recommends doing this without the kids, who may resist parting with sentimental items. Get rid of anything that is worn out, faded, or outdated. If it doesn’t hold significant meaning, ask yourself why you’re keeping it.
Planning Your Holiday Calendar
Begin by jotting down any “hard plans” that are set in stone before filling the calendar with traditions that bring joy, such as choosing a Christmas tree or baking cookies. By planning ahead, you can ensure that the season feels less chaotic and more enjoyable.
Establishing a Budget and Gift Expectations
Navigating gift-giving can be challenging, especially with differing family traditions. Start by setting a budget for the holidays and discussing it with your immediate family. If you’d like to reduce the number of gifts, consider options like a book exchange or experiences instead of physical items. The four-gift rule—something they want, something they need, something to read, and something to wear—has gained popularity for a reason, as it helps manage expectations.
Navigating the Holidays with COVID-19 in Mind
The pandemic has impacted us all, including financially. Samantha emphasizes the importance of shifting our focus from material gifts to meaningful experiences. Rather than concentrating all excitement on one day, spread joy throughout the season with low-cost traditions and quality family time. “I believe that this year could end up being the most magical and memorable because we are being compelled to slow down and be present,” Samantha says.
By choosing a minimalist approach, we might just be creating a new holiday tradition that we can carry forward into future celebrations. This is truly the season to prioritize safety and joy!
For more tips on embracing a minimalist holiday, check out this related blog post.
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