I stopped buying Christmas gifts ten years ago. Instead, I give a voucher for an act of service. I babysit so that someone else can have a night/weekend off, help with yard work, kitchen organizing, garage decluttering, dog walking, moving, house painting, running errands for someone short on time, etc. Most people would be amazed at how much these kinds of gifts are appreciated and how fulfilling it is to do them.
What a great idea. I've never heard of anyone doing this before. I'm surprised more people aren't doing offering their services to help out instead of giving useless gifts that are a waste of money and are destroying the planet.
We used to have a large, very nice Christmas tree, but it was very heavy with a big, thick metal pole in the middle. We stored it in the rafters in the garage and my husband hurt his back nearly every year getting it down. I was always worried that it would fall on a kid or the dog, so we had to secure it to the wall. It still made me nervous. The tree took hours to fluff the branches, a hour to put the lights on ( and if I didn’t tuck the cords well enough my mom would be sure to tell me 🙄 and then an hour or more to decorate. It was a lot. A few years ago we downsized to a slim, 5 foot tree that I can carry with one hand, set-up and decorate in 30 minutes flat, and it fits by the fireplace without having to rearrange furniture. It’s so much less stressful!!!
This was our situation a year ago. It was such a burden. We also had a pre-lit tree, but half of it had problems and we still had to get extra lights. It would take hours of troubleshooting. Finally got rid of it and now we just have a 3 footer on top of a small table next to our nativity. 😊
During the holidays I give memories not things. All families (I have 4) get the same monetary amount. They can spend it or save it as they wish and I am able to keep within a specific budget. BTW this amount changes yearly. I don’t want presents but ask them to give/ make a memory with me ie. take me out for a meal, tea, spend some time with me. The less is more way of life has made a huge difference.
Having Covid last week really made me take more opportunities to relax instead of racing around and planning things, here is to slowing down and not crossing the same bridge twice!
I give $ to close family. I make crafts to sell at a local museum and give small gifts to friends. Family calls and sends pictures. We're blessed with wonderful family and sweet in-laws. Happy Holidays, Tina, Al's wife
By "hiring help" you can also just ask for help. I had a gathering at my house a couple of months ago and there was way too much food. I hosted again and decided this time we can just order some pizza and maybe ask others to chip in. If you are hosting family you can ask them to bring desserts, drinks, side dishes, etc. You don't have to do everything by yourself.
Thank you Joshua. I time with people we love is so much more important than things. And carrying unnecessary debt doesn't add any joy to the Christmas Season!
Great video, Joshua. I have been stressing over our trip to see the family. I need to stop & enjoy every day leading up to, during, & after it. Thank you for the reminder. 😊
Putting more stuff on an already full plate is to our demise. Just like eating our favorite ice cream, you can have too much of it and get a stomach ache and regret it.
learned in 2006, I dont even clean up wrapping paper on christmas anymore. wait til the next morning. wanting the house to be so pristine on a day off to enjoy is over! the trash man will come later the week.
Im very curious to hear you thoughts about the number of kids you decided to stick to and weather it has a connection to your approaches to minimalism. TBT, I also have two children at home, and I'm truly content
Number 8 - “declutter” - no need to hire anyone then. Give the mementos away now to who you would like them to have before you “go” - more explanation and meaning can then be given while you’re alive as to why you have passed them down.
What holiday? I moved from Australia to Scotland month ago and Christmas is the last think I worry about. As far we have where to live and some food we are set. It has been long exhausting years so I pass this one
I do tell my kids "maybe you'll get it for Christmas but you only get 1 gift from you wish list" so expectations are low. We might end up getting two they do know we have a budget too! Also that outro wow what a shot! Beautiful ⛰️
I stopped buying Christmas gifts ten years ago. Instead, I give a voucher for an act of service. I babysit so that someone else can have a night/weekend off, help with yard work, kitchen organizing, garage decluttering, dog walking, moving, house painting, running errands for someone short on time, etc. Most people would be amazed at how much these kinds of gifts are appreciated and how fulfilling it is to do them.
That's great unless you are disabled like me & can't perform all these tasks
@@barbaradelira6790 Even more great for the disabled when others do this kind of things : )
What a great idea. I've never heard of anyone doing this before. I'm surprised more people aren't doing offering their services to help out instead of giving useless gifts that are a waste of money and are destroying the planet.
Great idea! For someone who loves to cook they could give vouchers for a meal or freezer meal.
Except that I'm the one who needs the help 😂😂😂
We used to have a large, very nice Christmas tree, but it was very heavy with a big, thick metal pole in the middle. We stored it in the rafters in the garage and my husband hurt his back nearly every year getting it down. I was always worried that it would fall on a kid or the dog, so we had to secure it to the wall. It still made me nervous. The tree took hours to fluff the branches, a hour to put the lights on ( and if I didn’t tuck the cords well enough my mom would be sure to tell me 🙄 and then an hour or more to decorate. It was a lot. A few years ago we downsized to a slim, 5 foot tree that I can carry with one hand, set-up and decorate in 30 minutes flat, and it fits by the fireplace without having to rearrange furniture. It’s so much less stressful!!!
This was our situation a year ago. It was such a burden. We also had a pre-lit tree, but half of it had problems and we still had to get extra lights. It would take hours of troubleshooting. Finally got rid of it and now we just have a 3 footer on top of a small table next to our nativity. 😊
I don't have a tree-cats. I put decorations around.
During the holidays I give memories not things. All families (I have 4) get the same monetary amount. They can spend it or save it as they wish and I am able to keep within a specific budget. BTW this amount changes yearly. I don’t want presents but ask them to give/ make a memory with me ie. take me out for a meal, tea, spend some time with me. The less is more way of life has made a huge difference.
Suggestion 0
Intentionally don't participate.
Celebrate your way, on your own, in your manner, with those you choose.
Truly, "intentional living"
Having Covid last week really made me take more opportunities to relax instead of racing around and planning things, here is to slowing down and not crossing the same bridge twice!
“ enjoy the simple and you’ll never run out of joy” 🔝🤩🤗
Joshua, I talked to some of my family members and we stopped exchanging gifts. I got this idea from your last video and everyone was so thrilled.
A certain family member got horribly upset over this suggestion of no gift giving 😢.
I give $ to close family. I make crafts to sell at a local museum and give small gifts to friends. Family calls and sends pictures. We're blessed with wonderful
family and sweet in-laws. Happy Holidays, Tina, Al's wife
By "hiring help" you can also just ask for help. I had a gathering at my house a couple of months ago and there was way too much food. I hosted again and decided this time we can just order some pizza and maybe ask others to chip in. If you are hosting family you can ask them to bring desserts, drinks, side dishes, etc. You don't have to do everything by yourself.
Thank you Joshua. I time with people we love is so much more important than things. And carrying unnecessary debt doesn't add any joy to the Christmas Season!
You always offer reasonable advice. Thank you
Totally agree, far too much stress around a time that should be the total opposite xx
Great video, Joshua. I have been stressing over our trip to see the family. I need to stop & enjoy every day leading up to, during, & after it. Thank you for the reminder. 😊
Just breath and enjoy the season! Merry Christmas! 🎄
Healthy boundaries!! With even spending time with certain people or family members.
Thank you for this excellent advice. Happy holidays to you and your family 🎄
Less is more, so true! Great video 🙂
Great suggestions for all of us to enjoy Christmas even more!!🎄
Thank you Always !🙂🙂🙂
Great video, wonderful advice 🥰 Thanks for everything you do Joshua ❤️
I love the simple and free❤
Continue to love your content, Joshua. Thank you for your perspective.
Putting more stuff on an already full plate is to our demise. Just like eating our favorite ice cream, you can have too much of it and get a stomach ache and regret it.
learned in 2006, I dont even clean up wrapping paper on christmas anymore. wait til the next morning. wanting the house to be so pristine on a day off to enjoy is over! the trash man will come later the week.
Thank you for sharing . 🇬🇧💛🤍
Very relatable! Needs to be heard. Thanks!!
Thank you for this. It helps a lot..not to feel guilty to not prepare too much during holiday season ❤🎉
Agree. Thank you
If I had your hair I’d be 90% less stressed.
Maybe you don’t have his hair cause you are 90% MORE stressed than him
@@MarCariB probably so. But at 43 I’d love that hair
Love his hair ❤
Lol
😂😂😂
Another helpful video, thank you!
Love this video, thank you very much. Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays.
Happy holidays to you and your family as well.
Wonderful reminder. Thank you
❤❤❤thank you!! So good…… you bring so much peace in this message.. God bless you and your family ❤😊
Thanks for your practical, sensible advice!
"Worry is a misuse of imagination. "
Perfection is the enemy of the good, as a friend likes to remind me.
Thanks!
Thanks again, Joshua for your wise words
We are non present buying this year as a family
Same here. Game changing!
Your post spoke to me in the first 59 seconds! The entire post was beneficial! Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄
I already share this vid. to my extra stressful friends 😅😅
Thank you
Well said. Thanks for sharing this.
Great life lessons, not just for Holidays!
Totally agree, thank you!!❤
I so much love these reminders!!
wonderful tips thanks merry Christmas to you and your family! xo lori
Same to you!
Very useful tips!
Wise advice. Thank you.
Im very curious to hear you thoughts about the number of kids you decided to stick to and weather it has a connection to your approaches to minimalism. TBT, I also have two children at home, and I'm truly content
No, it had nothing to do with minimalism. I wanted three, Kim wanted two. Once we had a boy and a girl, Kim won :)
I have to learn the last one😊,thanks for sharing❤
Less is more, I can testify✌😊🌲
Another useful video Joshua. Thank you.
I really like this post!!!
Number 8 - “declutter” - no need to hire anyone then. Give the mementos away now to who you would like them to have before you “go” - more explanation and meaning can then be given while you’re alive as to why you have passed them down.
Cross the bridge once, it's Golden advice
Now how do I get my family to think less is more for the holidays? That’s my problem.
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What holiday? I moved from Australia to Scotland month ago and Christmas is the last think I worry about. As far we have where to live and some food we are set. It has been long exhausting years so I pass this one
❤❤❤
I'm not at all stressed about holidays because I'm stressed about moving after them 😊
I give pet food/treats to pet owners. They love it. The items will get used up.
Really great idea--I am a cat mom and would love to give or receive pet items!!! Thank you :)
❤👍👍👍
I do tell my kids "maybe you'll get it for Christmas but you only get 1 gift from you wish list" so expectations are low. We might end up getting two they do know we have a budget too!
Also that outro wow what a shot! Beautiful ⛰️