Can Holiday Shopping and Minimalism Coincide?

Hello friends! Welcome back to the blog. It’s that time of year again - the holiday season. You might be busy shopping away, or like, me, you might be waiting for a bit, trying to decide how to go about shopping this year. I for one have had a big mindset shift when it comes to shopping for the holidays and I will explain why.

First, the economy hasn’t been that great. I think all of us are having some issues with debit, high interest payments and rising costs of food. I know for one we have been struggling. I never thought I would be coupon clipping, but I have recently started and I shop around now for the best deals at cheaper stores. I mention this sometimes on my YouTube channel, and I have quite a few people, (from Canada and the US) say that they are experiencing the same issue. Our incomes seem to stay the same, and costs just keep rising.

The second thing on my mind is how much I spent last year. I started shopping early last year. No matter how many times I told myself to stay within budget, or stick to the list, I just found so many incredible things for my daughter. (Why are girls so much more fun to shop for?) I thought I was being a good little shopper, getting a head start on my holiday shopping, and being all organized. It turns out, I ended up buying more.

This year, I keep hearing from friends and family that they’re starting early this year. I think of last year, and I sort of giggle to myself, because now I’m doing the complete opposite. (Not because I want to mad-rush holiday shop before Christmas Eve, but more out of necessity). I’m determining to the penny my Christmas Budget and I’m going to stay on track this time. I need to save up the amount I need before I start spending (like I said, times are hard).

I’m picking at most one or two things for each of my kids and close family members and that’s it. Whereas last Christmas, my daughter didn’t even have time to open everything, this year, she’s going to open her one gift, and enjoy playing with it for hours. (It is a big ticket item…ahem…Barbie Dream Playhouse anyone??), and will keep her occupied for a long while, not just hours. The point is, I am not overdoing it this year. I want to draw clear lines about who I’m buying for, how much and that’s it.

Honestly, I don’t have time to make crafts and give those as presents instead. But, all elder relatives will be receiving Christmas cards with a family holiday photo. I think people cherish memories most of all and it’s the time you spend together that counts more than anything.

The other thing on my mind this year is minimalism. I have spent so much time preaching about this, as well as physically cleaning and decluttering my home. While I still have a long way to go (not only in the minimalism, but the mindset itself); it’s in the back of my mind as the holiday season approaches. Do I really want tons of toys and things cluttering up my house? It’s hard enough to have to go through my kids toys all the time without adding to the pile.

I think that our budget this year is really the determining factor in how much we’re planning on buying, but I’m glad. Finances might be our limiting factor this year, but it’s helping me maintain my goal of minimalism and I’m sure I’ll be all the more happy because of it.

Thanks for reading!

Sandra