This holiday season, I’m embracing a minimalist approach. I’ve decided to forgo the chaotic shopping sprees and the endless pursuit of the latest trends. No more stressing over what gifts other parents are buying their children or counting how many Christmas trees are on display (as if one isn’t enough). This year, I refuse to go into debt for the sake of acquiring the “next big thing” for my kids.
My children don’t require an abundance of plastic toys or sugary treats. They certainly don’t need the most sought-after gadgets or toys. More importantly, I no longer want to feel overwhelmed by the clutter of items that spark their interest for just a fleeting moment before they are cast aside. I won’t allow myself to be caught up in the endless cycle of trying to create a “perfect” holiday experience.
A Lesson Learned
After 14 seasons of holiday celebrations as a parent, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: the more my children receive, the less grateful they tend to become. This leads to more meltdowns, more complaints, and a lot of stress for me as I try to instill a sense of gratitude in them for all the items they’ve just unwrapped. And nothing dampens the festive spirit quite like cranky kids and a frazzled mother.
It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday frenzy, particularly with the temptations of social media and marketing around us. The desire to create memorable moments stems from a place of love, but this year, I am choosing to simplify.
Prioritizing Experiences
Instead of exhausting myself both physically and financially to fulfill every wish on their lists, I’m gifting my family a stress-free mother. I will stop when I feel compelled to orchestrate a whirlwind of activities to conjure a sense of magic. This season, we will prioritize experiences over material possessions.
Engaging in Charitable Acts
We will engage in charitable acts. We plan to donate food to local food banks for Thanksgiving and Christmas, contribute to animal shelters, and support organizations like St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Each child will pick a name from a community tree to buy a gift for someone in need. This tradition has brought us joy since they were young, and it continues to warm our hearts.
Exploring Creativity
We will explore our creative sides. Although our craft projects may not turn out perfectly, the time spent together with glitter and glue is worth the mess. It’s a wonderful way to connect beyond screens and devices.
Enjoying Simple Pleasures
We will take evening drives to admire Christmas lights. In previous years, I let busyness prevent us from enjoying this simple pleasure. But this year, we’ll relish the moment, sipping hot cocoa and marveling at our neighbors’ festive displays.
Baking Together
We will bake together, revisiting cherished recipes passed down through generations. We’ll package the treats in lovely containers to share with friends and family, creating special memories.
Movie Marathons
We will also indulge in movie marathons, lounging in pajamas, munching popcorn, and enjoying our favorite holiday films. I don’t mind watching the same movie repeatedly, especially when it brings laughter and joy to our home.
Thoughtful Gifting
While I will still get my kids a few thoughtful gifts, I recognize that these will be far more meaningful than a pile of items intended to impress. If they wish to give gifts to friends, we’ll make something special together, using creative resources, including ideas from this Pinterest board.
Conclusion
This year, we are dialing down the holiday frenzy and focusing on what truly matters: giving to others and cherishing our time together. True happiness isn’t found in extravagant packages but in shared experiences and the joy of helping others. I wish I had embraced this realization sooner, but I’m grateful to be on this path now.
In summary, the holiday season can be overwhelming, but by prioritizing experiences over materialism, we can create lasting memories and foster gratitude. Embrace simplicity, engage in charitable acts, and cherish family traditions this year.