It’s December 1st! We’re just one day into the Christmas season, and I’m already over these ads! Apologies for sounding like a Grinch. We don’t mean to be spoilsports, but it seems like every commercial, every scroll, and every errand comes with a bit of “Buy more, spend more, get more” energy. It’s exhausting.
Of course, this isn’t a knock on how others choose to celebrate the holidays; it’s just not for us! Brian and I have been flooded with Christmas shopping ads since October. It seems that the general consensus is to make the holidays bigger, with bigger gifts, bigger budgets, and bigger expectations.
Simplify the Holidays
Maybe it’s because we’ve recently decluttered that we’re hyperaware of the relentless push for consumption, especially around the holidays. In truth, we see how easy it is to get swept up in the “more, more, more” mindset. So instead, we’re going to celebrate the holidays differently, making it less about buying more and more and more about enjoying what’s already around us.
Celebrate Beyond the Shopping
If you’re feeling the urge to buy your way into the holiday spirit, you’re not alone! This year, 82% of Americans plan to purchase gifts, contributing to an estimated $242 billion in holiday spending. It’s a sobering figure, especially considering that Americans already carry a collective $1.23 trillion in credit card debt, and 31% of holiday shoppers still haven’t paid off last year’s balances.
With so much shopping and potential debt, it’s no wonder the holidays can feel stressful. Whether you’re trying to keep a closer eye on your budget or, like us, you just want to avoid extra stuff, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without shopping bags or receipts.
Reuse Holiday Decorations
Though ads and social media suggest that yearly decor upgrades are the norm, they’re not necessary for a festive home. Take note of what you already have tucked away! Pull out your holiday boxes, put on some tunes, and get in the spirit. Chances are, you’ve accumulated a handful of old decorations over the years that can be displayed as intended or even reimagined for a new festive take.
If you find you’re short on decorations, ask friends or family if they have any extras they’re not using. It’s surprising how many folks have bins of decorations sitting in their attics or basements! You can even pop into estate sales for deeply discounted (and sometimes even free) decor or check with your local Buy Nothing groups for pre-loved holiday finds.
Brian and I still use my old Big Lots ornaments I snagged at an after-Christmas sale almost 20 years ago. They’re nothing fancy, but they hold a lot of memories.
Give Back
Giving back isn’t about filling carts with gifts but rather rediscovering how much we already have to give. Perhaps it’s your time, your skills, or simply your attention. Acts of kindness don’t have to come gift-wrapped! Volunteer at a local shelter, drop off food donations, or bake something special for your neighbors. Even small gestures, such as a handwritten note or a donation of gently used items, can make a valuable impact.
If you have kids, get them involved, too. There’s so much more to celebrating the holidays than material gift-giving. The true spirit and joy of giving exists in what we share, not what we buy.
Revisit Traditions You Already Have
With so much chaos and distraction during the holidays, it can be easy to get caught up in the idea that “more” is better. But if you think back to the moments that have always made this season feel special, it’s generally the ones that have stood the test of time. Revisit the familiar.
Decorate the tree together, make family recipes, or watch your favorite holiday movie for the hundredth time. These simple traditions aren’t about buying new things but about connection and familiarity.
Brian and I make a day out of decorating our home; we play Christmas music, hang ornaments on our amazingly convenient pre-lit tree, and spend a couple of hours stringing lights outside. And the rest of December is reserved for holiday movie nights, along with spicy drinking chocolate, rich and hearty soups, and Christmas cookies.
Create a Holiday Playlist
Instead of defaulting to a decades-old playlist or whatever is on the radio, take an afternoon to create your own holiday soundtrack. I have a few of them from over the years, all reflecting different moods and themes. Mix it up with some classic favorites along with newer tunes! We enjoy listening to a variety of playlists while we decorate and cook. It instantly puts us in a festive mood.
Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays
Bundle up and take a slow drive or stroll through your neighborhood to admire the lights! This is easily one of the most nostalgic and simple joys of celebrating the holidays.
Skip the crowded events and explore the Christmas-infused magic of the quiet corners where you live. Many neighborhoods go all out with their displays, asking for nothing but time and attention.
Make it a cozy event with hot chocolate, holiday treats, and music that effortlessly sets the mood for a holiday celebration.
Soups, Stews, and Comfort Foods
I love me some soup season! When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a simmering pot on the stove. We already limit our dining out, but when winter comes, our craving for homemade soups and stews means we dine out even less.
We whip up big batches of delicious comfort that stretch our groceries further and create tasty leftovers for the rest of the week. I love making a ritual out of it as I take my time to gradually build flavors while listening to music or a new audiobook. Instead of splurging on pricey restaurants or holiday-themed pop-up events, Brian and I find ourselves happiest at home with a never-ending pot of flavorful goodness.
Some of our go-to favorites include:
Holiday Potluck Dinner
Speaking of food, another way to reign in your holiday spending is to trade in restaurant get-togethers for a potluck feast. Whether you attend one or invite friends and family over for a holiday potluck, it’s an easygoing experience without the expensive restaurant bill. Each person contributes, so no one takes on the full cost or responsibility of cooking.
It’s always fun seeing what everyone brings, from family recipes to holiday classics and experimental fusions. It’s a celebration that highlights the comfort and connection of the season rather than the commercial extravagance of it all.
Festive Movies & TV Shows
What can be more nostalgia-inducing for holiday joy than curling up under a blanket with your favorite festive movie? From streaming platforms to well-loved DVDs or Blu-rays, there’s a certain comfort in revisiting familiar stories this time of year. Choose timeless classics like Home Alone or It’s a Wonderful Life, and explore new holiday hits streaming online. You don’t even need access to a paid subscription if you use your library card!
No crowded theaters or extra spending, just a little downtime to enjoy the holiday vibes. I even like having cheesy Hallmark flicks on while I’m doing things around the house. No matter how we enjoy them, either half-watching while cleaning or intentionally settling in for a cozy movie night, they always seem to bring that feeling of nostalgic holiday feels.
A Season of Enough
As simple as it seems, these cozy celebrations are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. They’re reminders that the holidays don’t have to revolve around what we buy but by how we choose to spend our time. Less can truly feel like more.
This holiday season, we are celebrating enoughness over excess. Enough togetherness, enough goodness and joy, and enough delicious eats. For us, the best part of the holidays doesn’t come from shopping bags. There’s so much to celebrate in the simplicity of this season, from soft blankets to simmering stews and movie nights to the easy joy of sharing time with the people we love.
What’s one way you’ll celebrate “enough” this holiday season?
