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Yes, it is that time of year again – the season of excess. Now that I have been on my minimalism journey for some time, just thinking of this time of year and how I used to go so crazy trying to get everyone every item on their gift list makes me very uncomfortable. And that’s a good thing because it keeps me from taking steps backward.
When you really think about it, how many presents have we purchased for people over the years that they didn’t want or didn’t need? I know I am guilty of buying gifts for my kids that were not necessary and over the past few years have made drastic changes to what I spend and what I buy for them. Now the girls tell me if they need something and that is where I start the Christmas list. What do they NEED?
What if they don’t need anything? I have chosen to pick up gift cards that they can use when they need them. Generally I stick with Visa or American Express gift cards because they can use them anywhere, anytime. Car need an oil change? Got the gift card. Work shoes? Got the gift card. Choosing gift cards gives them more control over how and when they use their gift instead of receiving another pair of pajamas that they didn’t need or want.
When the girls were younger, it was not uncommon for my husband and I to buy so many gifts to put under the tree that we would end up having a credit card bill that would take more than six months to pay off. I think it was more guilt on our parts than anything as we didn’t live near family so we overcompensated. Did the girls think about all the presents under the tree? Of course they did when they first seen them but in a matter of 5 minutes all presents were open and they were ready to go outside and play. That was worth the $1000 spent wasn’t it?
This year before you overspend, STOP. Just stop and really think about what you are buying and why are you are buying it. Go ahead and get your kids gifts but really think about those gifts that you are buying. Will they be used for more than 5 minutes? Will it make their lives just a little bit easier? Do they really need it or want it? Just asking yourself these simple questions will make gift giving this year just a little easier not only on your wallet but on your heart too.
Finally, consider the gift of time. Spend time with your kids – REALLY spend time with them. Head outside on Christmas Day and take a walk and talk about what the holidays really mean. Talk about families that do not have as much as you do on the dinner table. Take your kids and volunteer to feed the hungry. You don’t have to pack the gifts under the tree to have a wonderful holiday season.
We hope you truly enjoy the holiday season this year.
For tips on how to begin your decluttering journey, you can Start Here, or snag a copy of the 30 Day Challenge (our Minimalism and Decluttering eBook).
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