Written by Lauren James Budhu
The TV that you purchased on Black Friday is stacked against the thirty other toys, gadgets, and clothing items sitting in your closet next to rolls of gift wrap and Scotch tape; decorations have taken over every inch of the house, and your calendar is full of activities. The holiday season is in full swing and now more than ever, everyone is feeling the stress.
So, how do you simplify your life this season? Opt to celebrate it as a minimalist holiday.
Having a minimalist holiday can mean different things to different people. For me, it means not buying a bunch of junk for my family that will clutter our home. It’s about being purposeful with my time, money, and energy, prioritizing quality over quantity. By doing this, we can reduce stress, waste, and bring more genuine cheer to the season.
Transitioning to a minimalist holiday can be challenging, especially if you’re used to the traditional way of celebrating. Yet at the end of the day, it’s all about being intentional: doing less, buying less, partaking in something new, putting people before things, and focusing on gratitude.
A big part of the holiday season is gift giving, which is one way to show your loved ones how much you care about them. However, not only can the act of shopping be overwhelming, but the stress of finding the right things for your kiddos, parents, siblings, friends, coworkers, and even your children’s teachers can cause too much unnecessary stress. Here are some tips to help navigate shopping this year:
- Set a budget: It’s so easy to go overboard and not be mindful of the costs of presents for everyone in your life. This year, like with most things in your life, set a budget and maximum price for gifts for different people, from your immediate family to coworkers.
- Consider experiences over material gifts: Instead of material gifts that might be used for a short time, explore experiences for your loved ones instead. Examples could include movie or concert tickets, a cooking class, or museum passes.
- Look at gift cards or consumable gifts: Rather than contributing to the clutter of unwanted gifts, gift cards allow the recipient to choose what they want or need. Also consider giving items that are to be used, such as skincare products, snacks, or holiday beverages. Instead of being stuck inside your home, once they are used they’re gone!
- Send an e-card: Instead of sending physical holiday cards that might end up in the trash, send an e-card to convey your season’s greetings.
When it comes to minimalist decorations, less is more. Think about neutral colors rather than the traditional bright red and green– stick to whites, creams, and grays to create a calming atmosphere. Maybe add touches of gold or silver for a little pizzazz, but don’t go overboard. Rather than purchasing excessive decorations, consider finding natural elements such as cedar, branches, and pinecones to decorate your shelves and countertops. For those wanting to add candles to the mix, Mojave Desert Skin Shield has you covered. Candles are an easy way to add an inviting glow to the home, and scents like peppermint or cinnamon are particularly reminiscent of the holiday season.
The same ideas apply to your holiday activities – keep it simple. It might be hard to limit holiday extravaganzas because of work parties, school programs, parades, etc., but prioritize the most meaningful events. Try to keep schedules open for quality time with friends and family.
Minimalism is about intentionality and mindfulness, so remember to stay present and enjoy the moments that matter. Consider these ideas for more options to simplify your season. Happy holidays!
