How to Have a Simple Christmas
I love gifts. I love receiving them more than I love giving them. Is that okay to say? I do enjoy giving gifts, but I overthink it so much. I like small gifts. A gift card to my favorite coffee shop or restaurant, a small trinket that says, “this made me think of you,” handwritten notes. I don’t like when gifts are over-the-top and expensive. I like meaningful gifts.
My oldest daughter - she’s four - also loves to receive gifts, and she is not shy about it either. She’s all about getting treats and new toys. Every time she sees a toy commercial she yells, “I want that!” Every time we walk into a store her first question is, “Can we go look at the toys?” That’s normal for kids, but does it have to be?
It is speculated that children are exposed to 3,000 ads a day. On television, on YouTube, on kids apps, out in public. Advertising is everywhere. Consumerism is rampant, especially at Christmas time. It is so frustrating. My child, who can’t even read yet, is exposed daily to The Next Best Toy/Game/Whatever.
I don’t want my daughter’s Christmas to be all about toys. I don’t want her to be disappointed because Santa didn’t bring her something, because Mommy couldn’t afford it. I want a simple Christmas this year. I want to set the tone for my kids that it’s not about getting gifts and new toys.
So far, this is how I am making Christmas simple for my family.
Emphasize Family Time
When I made our Christmas Countdown, I made family time a priority. Every night as we get closer to Christmas, I want us to do something as a family, even if it just watching a Christmas movie together.
Set Expectations Now
One thing that really helps my daughter is to know what to expect. If we’re only getting her one big gift, she needs to know that she’s only getting one big gift.
Teach An Attitude of Gratitude
This is one we have been working on for quite some time, and honestly, we need to come up with a different strategy. I don’t have any advice on this because I am learning how to have an attitude of gratitude myself.
Keep Decorations Minimal
You don’t have to go crazy with decorations, unless you want to. If it brings you joy and energizes you, then you do you.
For me, too many decorations that take up too much room in our storage closet stresses me out. Things that need extra dusting and care are not for me. Too many ornaments? Not for me. Breakable decor? I have two kids. Will it take me more than an hour to put it all up? Probably not for me.
I do have to confess, this year I had to do quite a bit of rearranging to decorate for Christmas, and I almost quit halfway through. Actually, I did take a break and I took a nap with my daughters. Anyway.
Keep Gifts Simple
There are so many ways to do this. Set a budget and stick to it, follow the four gift rule, or only give handmade gifts. We will most likely stick to the four gift rule for our daughters: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. We will also fill their stockings with practical things (new toothbrushes, water bottles, etc) and a few small toys.
Be Picky About Your Traditions
I mentioned this in my last post, but it is so important. We don’t have to continue doing traditions that leave us empty. When all is said and done and the holiday is over, I want to feel full. I don’t want to feel depleted and sad. Having a simple Christmas is about getting back to the basics and realizing what’s most important.
