No Purchase Necessary: Reducing Holiday Stress, Debt and Clutter

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Recently, a client of mine was lamenting that we were getting her house decluttered just in time for it to get cluttered again. Surprised by her sudden pessimism, I asked her to clarify: “The holiday season.” She understood the upcoming months all too well. In the not too distant future, she would be greeted by a mile-long to-do list and new clutter in the form of holiday gifts.

“Christmas is fun for the kids, but I wish it didn’t mean a carload of stuff was getting dropped inside of my house.”

It’s not the first time I’ve heard a comment like this from a client, and it won’t be the last: 69% of Americans would skip gift giving altogether if their family agreed to it. So what is it about holiday gift exchanges that make most of us cringe?

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‘Tis the season of pressure

Over-the-top retail displays, endless television programs instructing us “how-to have the perfect holiday,” and Black Friday sale advertisements are perfectly designed to sell us the idea that we need stuff to make our holidays meaningful and enjoyable. Even though the average credit card debt per U.S. household was $8,398 in June 2019, most Americans still feel pressured into participating in some form of holiday gift exchange.

Don’t know what to get that uncle who has everything or the niece you know little about? Retailers have made mindless holiday shopping easy, with online wish lists and aisles of gift cards. Gift cards have now become the number one most-requested and received gift. The holiday season has become a time when we are just exchanging money with one another.

It all feels uninspired, insincere, and exhausting. So what can you do?

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Be mindful of your holiday routine

The holidays are meant to be a joyous & gracious time of year, but when we allow pressure from others to influence our decisions, we risk being left broke, tired, and relieved when the season is over.

To reduce stress, debt, and clutter, try implementing some (or all) of these methods this holiday season:

  • Experiences > things. Have a conversation about gift-giving with your family and friends before to the holiday season. Let them know that you appreciate their thoughtfulness, and if they must give you something, you or your children would prefer to receive time with them (aka experiences) over things.

  • Set a strict budget. 49% of Americans feel pressured to spend more than they can afford. Before you head out to do any shopping, set a budget for ALL of your holiday expenses—gifts, food, decor, travel, etc. If you do not have room in your budget for gift exchanges, be upfront and honest. You’re the one who has to live with your bank account when the holidays are over.

  • Shop your house. Before purchasing any new holiday decorations or wrapping supplies, unbox and evaluate what you already have in storage. It’s easy to forget what you have when it’s been in storage since January. If are wanting to replace some of your decorations, remember that most donation facilities will not take holiday decorations out of season, so you’ll want to donate them before December.

  • One thing in, one thing out. If you receive a new scented candle, find an old one in your house and put it in the donate/trash pile. The same goes for anything else you bring home. Have a conversation with your children about how their old toys would be appreciated by those less fortunate, then work with them to decide on what can be donated.

  • Collaborate! Instead of taking on all of the hosting duties yourself, ask friends and family if they would like to collaborate. By sharing in the shopping, decorating, and cooking duties, you will have more energy to enjoy the holidays.

  • Sometimes nothing is better than something. If you don’t know what to buy someone, maybe you shouldn’t be buying them anything at all. Instead, be mindful of how you spend time with them this season. Open your heart, your ears, and your mind, and fully connect with that person.

No purchase necessary

It can be difficult to set new boundaries and change traditions. I remember the first time I brought up the idea of NO GIFTS to my family. Some of them looked annoyed at the proposition, but most of them looked a bit relieved. Eventually, the tradition caught on and our celebrations are no less joyous because of it. The one thing we all need is more time to connect and be present, and that is not something you can buy on Black Friday.

Aimee Olson of Life Done Simply is a Productivity and Organizing Coach & Speaker. She is a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and is the President of the NAPO-Minnesota Chapter for 2018-2020.