Christmas is different. The Season of Advent is different. Everything is different since I began my journey to own less. A few years ago, I wrote about how just a single decoration was displayed in my house, and yet there was no panic or stress. Quite the opposite in fact. I had a level of confidence that the task of decorating could be completed with very little effort. And it could even be enjoyable now that the volume of decorations we owned was so much more reasonable.
Each year, I remove 4 boxes of decorations from the storage closet, unpacked and displayed their contents, and return the empty bins to the closet once more. All of this can easily be done in one evening. I can do other tasks too, so it was not an all-day affair either.
Some years, we go to a christmas tree faarm in Pennsylvania and cut down a Fraser Fir. Other years, depending on our travel schedule, the ornaments may stay in the box and we use a small table top tree so that a real tree doesn’t become a fire hazard while we’re out of town. Also, and I strive to donate 10-15 ornaments each year. Because I know that by donating them, it will brings joy to another family.
When my decorating is done, I feel a wave of peace and contentment just looking at the lights. Better yet, no one grumbled about carrying a bunch of boxes up and down the stairs. Decorating shouldn’t feel like a stressful production. It used to feel that way for me. But not anymore. It actually feels like Christmas. I mean the way the season is supposed to feel.
It Wasn’t Always This Way
For many years, my to-do list and shopping list were a mile long. I shopped for 10 hours on Black Friday, and I was just getting started. Decorating took days and required help from many people to get ready for our annual holiday party. We still have a party and my family helps but it’s much simpler. We host over 75 people and still have time to attend other activities.
My gift list is also very different. Gone are the days of over-the-top shopping and obligatory gifts. We set a budget and honor it. We choose experience gifts and consumables over stuff. I trade time at shopping malls for time at home working on photo calendars, Hot Cocoa, and Homemade Vanilla Extract.
Instead of fighting traffic at the stores, or praying that everything will be delivered on time, we drive around like Santa Claus delivering simple gift bags and stopping to see friends during the Christmas season. Wishing them Merry Christmas in person not just on Facebook.
I often speak to mom’s groups about Why It’s Simply Enough at Christmas. As a Christian, December is the Season of Advent. No matter your faith, I believe that a different holiday season is better for all of us. One that focuses on relationships, religion, and kindness.
Each year, we identify 5 Meaningful Traditions. These priorities center our focus and keep our eyes on the Reason for the Season. These are our non-negotiable items. It’s the only thing I care about accomplishing during the holiday season. I won’t worry about what’s left undone, but instead, I am content with less hurry and more joy.
My Top 5:
- Host our Holiday Party – I can’t imagine the season without it. My husband’s menu never disappoints as he shows his love through food. I do the rest. Over 15 years ago, we started asking for a Charity Donation in lieu of a hostess gift. We collect gift cards for a school and families in need.
- Buy 3 Gifts – Our church organizes Angel Tree Gifts for needy families. I purchase these gifts first as a reminder of how blessed we are.
- Make Simple HomeMade Gifts – Yes, I still shop but my Homemade Vanilla Extract and Hot Cocoa with Homemade Marshmallows are family favorites. And the Grandparents look forward to their photo calendar!
- Bake Sand Tarts – Sand Tarts are a Spyker Family Cookie Recipe. My cousin and I set a date for baking these together. We might drink wine too.
- See Christmas lights or take in a concert – Take time to enjoy the gifts of others. Slow down and really be present in a shared experience with your family and friends. Doing less means you can enjoy more!
Make Just One Change
I know what you’re thinking, this sounds great, but I’m in too deep. The lists are long, the schedule is jam-packed, the kids expect piles of presents and I don’t know where to start. It took me a long time to experience a different Christmas. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.
So what if this year, you just made one change. What if you had a slightly different Christmas?
Just One Change
- Buy only 3 or 4 gifts for each family member. Follow a theme:
- Remove people from your gift list – We did this. Everyone still likes us.
- Decorate in 1 Day and Stop. Donate the extra decorations
- Make Simple Homemade Gifts – Empty Mason Jars often re-appear on my porch in January in hopes of being refilled the next Christmas
- Say No to obligations
- Say Yes to Advent and the Christmas Spirit – Be a blessing to someone in need
Try one of these ideas and see how it feels. Christmas won’t just be different, it’ll be better because you’ll have more time, love, happiness, and peace with those who matter most. I’d love to hear your stories!
Merry Different Christmas!
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Marilyn says
Hi Amy. Thanks for the great article. A simpler Christmas is still a work in progress for me, but I’m definitely moving in the right direction. My helper is pulling up all the Christmas decorations and etcetera from the crawl space as we speak. This was a perfect read for going into the activities of decorating and beginning preps for the Christmas season. Wishing you a blessed season.
Amy Slenker-Smith says
Marilyn – You are so welcome and thank you for your kind words about my work. I can’t wait to hear how your decorating turns out this year and other simplifying ideas. We are ALL a work in progress my friend! (Pro tip: I like to have a donation box sitting around as I decorate so I can collect items for donation and put them in the car immediately.) Good luck! Thanks again for reading and commenting!