Spread Joy, Not Clutter This Holiday Season
/If you are like 69% of Americans, you would skip gift-giving altogether if your friends and families agreed.
Most families struggle with managing clutter and debt all year long. So, the pressure to adhere to certain holiday traditions, like gift exchanges, can be overwhelming when the holidays roll around.
But what if you didn't have to empty your wallet to spread joy? What if you set new expectations for the holiday season?
"Every year we say we're not going to go overboard, and then when it's all over, we've overspent and are burned out." - Michele H, client
Clutter-Free Strategy #1: Experiences > Things
If you're a family that values wrapping and opening festive packages, it can be difficult to imagine a holiday routine without gift-giving. But gifts do not need to become clutter. Instead of reaching for a generic gift card, try one of these inspiring clutter-free gift ideas that can be wrapped:
Digital music, books, magazine subscriptions, streaming services
Photography session
Theater, comedy show, or museum tickets
Meal planning services
Outdoor activities such as skiing or sporting events
Instructional classes, such as cooking, fitness, or art
Favorite foods or beverages
Bonus Idea: Have a friendly gift-wrapping contest to see who can be the most creative and waste-free!
Clutter-Free Strategy #2: Helping Others
Retailers would have us believe that the reason for the season is shopping, but we know better. While taking time to be thankful for the blessings in your life, consider starting a new holiday tradition that will revive the giving spirit in your family.
Gather new or gently used toys, games, and supplies and donate to a local family shelter.
Deliver a homecooked or takeout meal to someone living alone or with limited mobility.
Find a family volunteer opportunity at volunteermatch.org.
Offer to watch someone's children who have limited childcare options.
Bonus Idea: Have everyone in the family draw a simple good deed from a basket, then share your experience of fulfilling that good deed when you gather for the holidays.
Clutter-Free Strategy #3: Connecting With Others
A common sentiment during the holiday season is there needs to be more time for what is essential. Instead of racing from one commitment to another, consider budgeting your time more judiciously this year and save time for connecting with others.
Offer to teach friends and family one of your unique talents— baking, cooking, photography, card making, dog training, etc.
Write a personalized letter or send a small package with your favorite treat and a heartfelt note to someone you don't see often.
Schedule a walk or workout with a neighbor or friend.
Sign up the family for a one-time group class, such as cooking, dancing, yoga, or ice skating.
Bonus Idea: Write out holiday-themed get-to-know-you questions, and when your family gathers to celebrate, have everyone share their answers over dessert or cocktails.
You are the gatekeeper to your family's holiday experience! You can infuse joy and contentment into your holiday routine and create memorable family experiences free of clutter. You only have to lead by example!
Aimee Olson of Life Done Simply is a Productivity and Organizing Coach and Speaker, and is a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO). She specializes in Holistic Organizing and Minimalism, Residential Organizing, Workplace Productivity, and Brain-Based Conditions.
