Today’s time is quite hectic. People live in constant stress and hustle and bustle. So at least for Christmas we should stop. Calm down. Slow down. Enjoy time with family. No wonder so many people turn to minimalist celebrations. They want to recapture the true spirit of Christmas.

Focus on the experience

Gifts aren’t the most important thing on Christmas Eve. Perhaps only children can think so. The important thing is to focus on what really matters. It’s important to find true joy and connection. Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by obligations, debt or material excess this year. Don’t let the holidays of peace turn into a hustle and bustle and a race. A more minimalist Christmas approach can help reduce financial stress and debt and even reduce your impact on the environment.

What Christmas means to you

The first step to a minimalist Christmas is to answer a simple question. What does Christmas mean to you? Is it the cosy atmosphere, singing carols and time spent with friends? Or sitting down over good coffee and sweets? Or perhaps sharing stories and candlelit evenings? Maybe it’s a Grinch, a special meal or a ski trip for you. In any case, it’s what Christmas is to you that’s important. Nothing else matters.

Decorations

It’s lovely to create a Christmas atmosphere in your home, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend large sums on new decorations. It’s not important to buy up the shops. Opt for minimalist decorations. Make the most of nature. Or make decorations from things you have at home. Leave the tree with fewer ornaments. You’ll see that less is sometimes more.

━━ ( Source: svetikd /  iStockphoto )

Don’t plan too much

Don’t overload yourself or your family with too many plans. Only plan events that you really want to attend. Those that are important to you or your family members. Attend a school play, sit down to a mulled wine with your neighbours. But definitely don’t force yourself to go to an Advent market in a city where there are lots of people and instead of the Christmas atmosphere, such a visit will only cause you stress.

Clear out your house

It’s a good idea to clean the house before the holidays. No, we don’t think it’s necessary to sweep out the cobwebs and scrub the bathroom tiles by hand. It’s about clearing out cluttered closets. Getting rid of unnecessary stuff. It’s the same with the kids’ toys. It’s great not to have to throw things away. You can offer them for sale or donate them to charity or other organizations. Things you don’t need can make others happy. And when else but at Christmas.

The four gift rule

This is a very controversial subject. Gifts. Even a minimalist Christmas can’t do without them. But it’s pointless to buy mountains of presents for every member of the family. The goal is to please loved ones, not to include useless things that will end up in a corner somewhere anyway. For children, it is advisable to introduce the four-gift rule. You can buy one thing they really want. Then also one book, one thing to wear and something they need for their hobby, for example.