Merry Minimalist Christmas

Seeing as we are in the middle of a cost of living crisis, perhaps this would be a good time to try out a minimalist Christmas.

The holiday season became way too materialist a long, long time ago. Now is not a good time to extend this debt-ridden practice.

A minimalist celebration is a good way to bring the true meaning of the season back, all the while saving money and reducing stress at the same time.

It does not mean abandoning everything that you like about this time of year. Just a few tweaks that just might make it even better for you, your family, and the Earth.

Here are a few things to try:

- no Christmas cards (try free online cards delivered by email if you're not comfortable giving up this tradition)

- funky free wrapping paper (replace expensive wrapping paper from the store with what you have at home - newspaper or colourful flyers that show up in your mail this time of year)

- no outdoor lights, or a far smaller display

- no gifts, or set limits on the cost, number, and types of gifts exchanged (for example, only consumables or wearables or eatables)

- cut back on cooking and have an alternative Christmas meal (holiday-themed pizza with red salami and green pepper)

- new decoration moratorium (if you already own decorations, put them up, if you feel like it, but do not buy more)

- or decorate using all natural items sourced directly from your yard or the woods (pine cones, fir boughs, rocks, etc)

- finally, give the gift of your presence (don't be humble and underestimate the power of gifting someone with time with you)

Maybe you will find that a minimalist Christmas, without all the stress, hustle and bustle, and cost is more to your liking.

And who doesn't like saving money? A debt-free holiday is a gift you can give to yourself. 

You deserve it.