“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.
Wes Ehret says
There is a great community called “The Merry little Christmas project” you will find delightful in helping choose less over stress.
missy says
I agree we live in such a consumerism world it never ends???? my sisters and mother are shopaholic during this time of yr.. and look down on me because I don’t buy more kids as much as they spend. I am a thrifty person .. and make things as well☺
Maria says
It is so sad to hear. People can’t always afford to do so much spending during Xmas.
Happy New Year 2017 says
This is really very nice blog and so informative. Thanks a lot for sharing this article. To read more http://christmasgiftideaz.com/
Michel margarita says
Visit our rare gift online shop for the best products to give your friends in this Christmas. We has got so much gift ideas from where you can find the 5 best ways to present your Christmas gifts to your top five best friends.
Rachel says
This is a great resource- thanks for including me Joshua!
Gail says
Thank you for your comprehensive compilation addressing the manifold issues of the whole American Christmas season.
John P. Weiss says
One of my goals this Christmas is to do some small pieces of artwork for friends, instead of my common default: gift cards. Thanks for a helpful post and links.
Alicia Key says
DYIs ….John, I used to sell them. I do have less of them now. E-vite is so much easier for everyone xoxo
LITTERLESS says
One of my favorite parts of this blog (and others) is seeing that other people too want to stop the holiday shopping feeding frenzy and approach this season more simply and intentionally. Thanks for sharing, Joshua!
Nicki says
My grown children and 3 grandchildren have decided no more gift buying. We started a new tradition last year by spending Christmas day together and then heading to the mountains of Colorado the day after Christmas for 3 days of family fun. This year we’ll be staying in a cabin in South Dakota enjoying family time, games, sledding, and
snowmobiles for 5 days. What a blessing a stress free Christmas is
and how enjoyable to celebeate the true reason for the season.
Me, here, now. says
No presents (purchased) at all this year except for the small kids. Some secondhand fancy dress clothes for my nephew … he’s 4 so will grow out of them no sooner he gets them. New ones are overpriced, and besides, he won’t know they’re secondhand – he’ll just know they’re ‘fun dressing up clothes’. My other nephews and nieces get £10 each (there are 6 of them but they live far away and posting gifts costs too much). Anyhow IMHO, £10 per child is more than enough. My sister is getting my £400 KitchenAid mixer as a surprise (it’s only 3 months old), plus also my dressing table, and our grandmothers 100 year old silver mirror; my mother is having our TV, hoover and DVD player; I’ve just given my brother £500 cash as he was burgled two days ago and they stole 3k of iPads, iPhones, and his guitar (he’s a musician). My father who lives the other side of the world will have the gift of watching us travel the world by camper van and yacht via our blog (hence giving away the above stuff!), which as a boatbuilder and traveller will make him very proud. Yes it might seem that I’ve spent a small fortune this Christmas but in reality, I’ve spent less than I normally would. You don’t need LOTS OF STUFF to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. You certainly don’t need to spend money you don’t have and regret card payments you cannot afford in the New Year. I’ve been there, got the T shirt, and quite frankly this year, I have enjoyed NOT buying things and bowing to mass consumerism. I confess I bought a bike yesterday. Not because it was Black Friday (the prices were the same as any other day in Argos), but because I will need one when we start travelling. My boyfriend and I will not be exchanging gifts. Our gift to ourselves is financial freedom (now we have no mortgage), world travel, adventures, experiences and love. Can’t beat that!
sue craig says
LOVE! It’s why we say “HAPPY Holidays!” right?! :)
Thanks…I shared this fabulous read! :)