“When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things – not the great occasions – give off the greatest glow of happiness.” – Bob Hope
I am often asked for thoughts and advice on celebrating Christmas. And when I am, there are a number of helpful resources I send out in reply.
Personally, I have written my Christmas thoughts elsewhere: I respect gift-giving as a love language and do not want to rob my family members of that simple joy. But I prefer quality over quantity, needs over wants, experiences over products, and provide gift wish-lists whenever possible. For the kids, we reevaluate toy boxes and closet space a few months after the holidays to determine if there are items (new or old) to remove. The philosophy is simple, straight-forward, and easy to manage.
But I am not the first to write about enjoying a simpler Christmas. In fact, as I mentioned earlier, there are countless posts/articles/guides on experiencing a simple, stress-free Christmas. And in an effort to create a valuable resource for myself and others, here is a comprehensive list of the best links in one handy, thorough, shareable guide.
The Helpful Link Guide to a Simpler Christmas
Rethinking Christmas.
The Case Against Buying Christmas Presents | Zen Habits – I love Christmas, but the shopping has got to go. Here’s why.
1 Simple Strategy to Save $2,000 this Holiday and Make Everyone Love You Forever | Far Beyond the Stars – You’ve been bombarded by advertising since the day you were born telling you that the only way Christmas would be a success was if you spent somewhere around $1,000 on gifts for people.
The $100 Christmas | Mother Jones – We felt cheated by the Christmases we were having — so rushed, so busy, so full of mercantile fantasy and catalog hype that we couldn’t relax and enjoy the season.
35 Gifts Your Children Will Never Forget | Becoming Minimalist – I have countless holiday memories. Most of them center around faith, family, and traditions. But very few childhood memories actually include the gifts I received.
Gift-Giving Guides.
One Less Gift – A Holiday Gift Exemption Certificate | Miss Minimalist – Tired of holiday consumerism? Give a “One Less Gift” Certificate to someone special.
A Non-Consumer Christmas: Simple Gifts for Kids and Grown-Ups | Get Rich Slowly – Not sure what to buy for your loved ones this year? Consider buying nothing at all.
18 Non-Toy Gifts for Children | Nourishing Minimalism – A great way to combat too many toys, is to shift all the gifts to non-toy items.
99 Clutter-Free Gift Ideas | Becoming Minimalist – What gifts can we give that won’t add to the clutter problem? Here’s a list.
Simple, Practical Guides.
7 Tips to Overcome Holiday Gift Clutter | Becoming Minimalist – How can we create space to both humbly accept gifts and remain clutterfree? What specific steps can we take to successfully overcome holiday gift clutter?
The Top of Your Holiday To-Do List: Breathe. | The Art of Simple – Your holiday preparation assignment today? Breathe. Relax your shoulders. And do the following.
Beyond the Tension: Having Christmas with Joy | Small Notebook – After sampling both sides, I choose to do those things that reflect joy in my activities and attitude.
Holiday Printable Guides.
Christmas Budget Worksheet | Life Your Way
Christmas Gift List | Life Your Way
Emotional Needs.
How to Survive (and Thrive) During the Holidays When You Feel Alone | Zen Habits – There may be some of you who are going through these holidays without family, without anyone perhaps, and I know that can be extremely rough. This post is for you.
This Christmas, Give Peace | Becoming Minimalist – Family relationships can cause conflict, turmoil, and stress at any time, but the tensions are often heightened during the holidays – that is what makes the Christmas season so difficult for many.
How to Thrive in the Midst of Personal Turbulence| Zen Habits – Pay attention to the people in your life because relationships are the only true wealth.
Rachael says
Fantastic post (PS Found you through Reddit)!
I’ve been looking for something like this. In addition to a relative level of poverty and a major moral issue against throwing good money at Stuff (worthy of a capital S), I’m trying to find the best way to break the no-gifts news to my family. Your resources have given me the guts AND glory! Thank you!
Susan Vogt says
What a great list of ways to simplify Christmas and gift-giving. Your readers may also be interested in several articles I’ve written on this subject:
Frugal Gifts for Family & Friends
A Humorous Look at the Vogt “Nothing New Christmas”
Both are on my website under Spirituality: Advent and Christmas. http://susanvogt.net/Spirituality.htm#SpiritualityArticles
Luann says
WOW !!!! What a great list ! Thanks so much !
Rachel Denning says
Great ideas for making Christmas less stressful and more simply enjoyable.
Bethany@OurSoCalledLife says
We’ve found Christmas to be much more enjoyable with less focus on making an elaborate meal and having a mountain of presents. Even our 5-year-old daughter has more fun now that it’s a low-pressure, crazy party.
Claire/Just a little less says
So comprehensive – I shall enjoy this reading. Can I add my ideas for simplifying Xmas, for further ideas –
http://justa-littleless.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/minimalist-monday-xmas-x-cess.html
Liesel says
I like how these lists and posts take on Christmas from different views! Lots of great advice in there. This year we connect the two sets of grandparents (although they live in different countries and don’t really know eachother) and have them give one mutual gift to each of our two kids. We have also helped them pick out what. (We live in yet another country, so they are not always up to date with what our “almost teenagers” might wish for). This way – grandparents still get to “give”, the kids still have gifts under the tree (just fewer), and it will be something they really want.
Jane says
I’m sending this to my D.I.L because every year he works every hour he can to earn as much money as he can. Then every Christmas season he spends up large buying thoughtless gifts for family he’s become a virtual stranger to. We all wish he would realise that we would prefer to spend time with him. Slavery to consumerism has cost him his children’s childhoods, two marriages and now he’s missing out on his grandchildren.
Gayle McLaughlin says
Loved reading your article and reading all the other articles. We can have fun, celebrate the meaning of Christmas without being in a frenzy!
Lisa says
Just what I’ve been looking for!
Jenn says
This is really cool. Thanks!!