Since when did Christmas become a huge present-fest?
Did you know, the average Aussie spends a whopping $591 on Christmas gifts each year? With some spending even more than that! Say what?!
Slowly but surely, the magic of Christmas has been lost as we desperately try to outdo each other with the biggest or most expensive present possible. Not to mention the fact that half the time, these gifts are shoved into a cupboard, never to be seen again.
So we think the best way to put the spark back into the silly season is to embrace minimalism, just like this…
Give fewer “things”.
Now, we’re not suggesting you have to give less gifts overall, but giving less material items and opting for more practical or experience-based pressies will not only work wonders for your home clutter, but they can help to extend the festive spark a few weeks too. How about giving…
- Tickets to a local attraction. Whether it’s tickets to the zoo, a sports game or the movies, the whole family can enjoy this one.
- A pampering session. Perfect for those overworked family members, a voucher for a facial or massage is something many of us wouldn’t normally splurge on for ourselves.
- The gift of Zen. A meditation or yoga class is the way to go for those who need a little more Zen in their life. Plus, it’s a life skill many of us hope to master!
- A gift for someone else. We can’t think of a better way to spread the Christmas joy then to donate to a specific cause on behalf of your loved ones. Many aid providers now facilitate giving life-changing gifts to people in need – yep, you could buy mosquito nets, a fish farm or even a llama for those who need it most.
Don’t get sucked into shopping malls.
As soon as you roll into your local mall (once you can find a parking space, that is!), it’s hard to avoid being sucked into Christmas deals left, right and centre. Our advice? Avoid them altogether. Anything you need to buy, try and purchase online. Otherwise, embrace homemade goodies – think baking, infused oils or crafts – to add a personalised touch to your gifts.
Remember, you can say no!
We hereby give you permission to say no to all the things you don’t want to do! Yep, that Secret Santa gift exchange, decking your house out in tinsel or sending Christmas cards to everyone you’ve ever met – if it’s bringing you stress, just say no, thank you. You’ll be surprised at how much calmer and happier your holiday will truly be.
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