We've decided to not do presents for our extended families this year. Ours kids got kayaks and a few other things that they need. So glad we are having a year off. I usually get rid of all the presents I have been given without a few months. They are never things that I want or need. I've tried to talk to the grandparents about gifting our kids with experiences rather than things. It works so much better for our family.
My partner and I are traveling to Florida next month to see my grandparents and visit universal studios. We agreed to not exchange gifts and use our funds towards the trip and having fun during that instead :)
So, one Christmas season, a long time ago, I said to my sisters and brother, let’s not exchange gifts anymore. They were like 🎉🥳😃 hooray! So we only get for our own kids and grand kids. And even that is not a ton. And if we all get together we all bring a food or wine item. So Merry Christmas. The end. 🎄
I'm working on this... I got as far this year as to pick a name from the jar so we only have to purchase for 1 of the many siblings/ spouses. Next year I will bring out the big guns and just say NO. 😆
@@wintersolstice4793 we started out buying everything, like you guys. Then we said, let’s draw names. And that worked for a couple of years. Then I said to the crew, and we are a big crew, let’s just forget it. And they were more than happy with that. And it not only saves money, but we don’t have to go shopping and go insane trying to buy the right thing. It really cuts down on the stress level.
Consumables are great presents-like coffee, wine, chocolate, soap, etc, or like you said, experiences-just use them up and they’re gone! Christmas decorations-live tree, live wreath, candles, oranges with cloves, pinecones (even painted with snow) then after Christmas take off the lights and the few ornaments and all the rest gets put in the compost! Viola not much to store and you had a beautiful natural Christmas.
I actually asked my Mom what she wanted for Christmas. She's a very frugal person and has taught me to be conscious about money. Me and my husband are working our asses off saving 70% of our income to buy a house and live debt free in a couple of years. She reply: "I just want you guys to save the money to buy the house and for us to have a nice dinner all together on Christmas night. I know you've been working hard for that". I won't get her anything this year, but once I'm debt free I'll treat her to some very well deserved vacations. She's given me the best gift of all: an education. Greetings from Portugal and Merry Christmas!
I bowed out of Christmas - unapologetically - many years ago. I have a large family but the season stresses me out. I live on an island many thousands away with my cat so the distance helps. 😆 I made an ornament and hung it on my fridge.
My ideal, but still need my Home Altar, and just decorate Altar with fresh Evergreens and Hollies. My home Altar always have images of Jesus, Mary and Joseph with a Crucifix hanging above. That is all I need to set up for all Christian Holidays, including Easter.
We are doing a white elephant exchange this year but I told my kids that they are still getting money. We are frugal but we are in a place in our life that giving monetary gifts is fun. They are all in their mid to late 20’s. We are in our 50’s. It brings me great joy to give them money so they can buy what they want or save it. I can’t imagine a Christmas where I didn’t give anyone anything because I wanted to keep it all for myself. I’ve waited years to be able to do this.
We are in our 70's. The kids give us gift cards for restaurants. We give cash. My kids and grandchildren exchange gifts. Other grandparents give museum memberships. No one needs tons of junk. My grandkids like to go to comic con, my son likes Sci fi gatherings. Happy Holidays, Tina
I agree. The spirit of Christmas is in enjoying the company of those you love. We spend the money in giving a nice experience or meeting them. Things like you mentioned: museum memberships, learning courses, magazine subscriptions, activity days, tickets for theatre or events, day trips, vouchers for restaurants, weekend escapes... The exception: special/celebratory food or drinks, which we often buy for each other. This way, we get wonderful memories, we eat and drink well, and bring home no clutter.
I started decluttering in January and I discovered that a lot of the things that were just not getting used were gifts. Nice gifts too. But nothing I actually needed or wanted. So I just started telling people stuff they could gift me for Christmas. Communication helps.
I always feel like I'm the only person on earth dont like receiving others' gifts and spending time to think of what should I give them, Me and my friend share the same idea of eating out one meal together instead of exchanging gifts.
As a minimalist I enjoy twinkle cosy lights, small tree, practical gifts and enjoy the quiet time. Country walks and time to reflect on that year. Merry Christmas everybody ❤️
I've done practically no gifts for 3 years now, I told my family and friends i no longer want gifts as its bad for the environment etc and just said I won't be buying them one, so I prefer them not to get me one too, and my family were happy to do this, the only presents I receive are from my husband who knows what I want but still gives me that nice little Christmas gift to open on the day
Great video thank you Gabe. Personally I ask for no gifts, I send e-cards, and for those that insist of gift giving they get chocolate and/or alcohol. My trees is artificial which I got when I was 16, I'm now in my mid 40's and it still looks good so there's no need to replace it, and I've pretty much got all the same decorations for it that I bought at the time, with just a few exceptions. Also I've brought my son up understanding that life isn't about buying things that don't give you joy, he's in his early teens now and has only asked for an upgrade on his pc, rather than a new one, and 1 game for a console so far. Personally I love the twinkly lights and the Christmas music, and one of my favourite things to do this time of year is to drive round with some tunes playing, looking at all the pretty lights and a hot chocolate in my reusable cup. Merry Christmas everyone ⛄🌲❤️
We’ve exchanged wish lists for years. A list let’s us know we are buying something they want or need. Our kids are in their 40’s now, one grandson. The best part of the season is the gatherings and laughter. Getting something for the kids, our grandson blesses us, the lists are a must.
I make homemade candy for gifts, except for my young daughter. I've tried to get my family to stop exchanging, but they still do. I no longer feel embarrassed about giving candy. I put a lot of time and love into it. I do wish they would chill with all the gifts though😜
I've tried several different structured gift exchanges within our smaller extended family and nothing seems to stick with a certain relative because of their love of gift giving. Some of us hate dealing with giving so many gifts or have financial stressors around that many gifts, or would just rather spend the time together doing something else, etc. I've finally accepted that I can't organize anything to reduce the cost or quantity of gifts. But I can choose not to feel bad if someone chooses to spend more money on gifts than I do. And I can choose to keep giving yummy food gifts even if they think it's weird. I always remember gifting a very expensive version of a food item, something high quality. A type of food they love. The recipient seemed confused at the gift. But they ended up loving it. Then asked where to buy it. And were shocked at the cost. Duh. That's why it was a gift. A special treat. Nothing they'd buy for themselves. But they thoroughly enjoyed it. The gift was under $10, but for what it was, it was multiple times more expensive than what they'd spend on that item.
This year I made an advent calendar for my daughter of activities instead of stuff. We baked cookies, read stories, made crafts, learned about different traditions and things like that. Honestly, it was the most fulfilling part of Christmas for me.
Awesome video Gabe. I love the idea of the “experience gift”. Hubby and I have been doing that for years but I would much rather to do the Airbnb thing with the family than stressing about useless gifts. Thanks for you videos, big fan!
My sister in law created advent calendars for her friends out of little bags numbered 1-24 and filled them with little things from around her house! Minimizing and gifting at the same time! 🤣
Very creative! The Season before Christmas Day, is really not Christmas, it's a Season of Spiritual Preparation for Christmas, and that Season is called ADVENT.
So glad you went with a fresh tree as well! We decorate for Christmas and switch for seasons as well. It’s home after all 👍🏻 Omg! Congratulations on 100k!!! 🖤
I collect branches in the wood and put them in the vase and decorate them. There are gifts but only for my daughter and my gifts are usually selfmade coupons for her holidays and something I know that she needs but does not expect me to buy for her. This year we also bought a game, that we will play together at Christmas and I can lend it my colleagues after we have played it. My daughter usually gives me some kind of pictures of her. This year she bought me stuff and she also asked me beforehand, if I'd like it and will come in handy.
on you wanting jeans for xmas, the spirit of giving is still totally present; it gives the gifter opportunity to choose a style they think you would like while removing the stress of struggling to choose the perfect gift. great stuff gabe 😄 happy holidays!
Real trees are the best! They give you a different look every year. Family gatherings are much more memorable than 20 pairs of sox! Lol May you have a wonderful Christmas season!
Couldn't have posted at a better time, thanks Gabe! ☺ I gotta ask though, have any advice for how to tactfully handle family that you've tried to express your minimalist lifestyle to that still insist on gift giving?
You have to respect others and their diverse ways of being. Like Gabe says, be honest, send them a nicely decorated email Christmas Card with a stuffless wish list. Mine was: 1. Car Christmas Karaoke and light viewing with drive thru hot chocolate. 2. Everyone bring over a snack Christmas Eve and we'll play Charades. 3. Donation to the free Christmas skate program! If someone has to give you a thing inna box, ask for something home made, and be grateful whatever they give you, cause they love you and this year they're here.
Years ago, we were buying for siblings, nieces and nephews etc. So, we decided to give to a charity in their name (like buying a goat for a family, or contributing to water projects etc.) But now that we have grandchildren, it is so much fun to give them amazing presents. We do the three gifts per child, one toy, some clothes and an experience.
I was really curious to know how minimalists do the holidays. When I approached my gf with the ideas of minimalism her first response was "but what about holiday decorating?" which is valid, since we both enjoy it. I know my parents are downsizing so they don't need "stuff", so it's good to set that expectation ahead of time. I'm focusing on getting annual passes to places or something that will be a memorable experience or added comfort. Candy for stocking stuffers as always.
Ya I went a little different this year I made my Christmas decorations and tree out of paper. I like it way better then buying a tree and buying ornaments it was fun doing crafts with the husband. And I am had making my gifts nothing extravagant I like the thought put into it better
Great stuff, thanks for this video. For the past several years, our family has brought anonymous envelopes with donations inside to our Christmas gathering and we have been gathering these up and sending it off to support 2-3 girls in a village in Guatemala to go to school. One of the girls is still in high school and one young woman is now part way through medical school. We are in touch with the person who delivers the funds and two of our own kids have been there to visit the school and meet the girls and their families. It's a much more meaningful thing to support this school in a place where most girls don't ever get to high school. We don't need more stuff ourselves, so we do stockings (with mostly consumable, low waste stuff inside) and play games and enjoy each others' company. :)
I dont know if its my age, giving gifts or buying gifts have significantly reduced. If i were to give them something ill give them something they can use or easily consume. I also just ask the person if there was anything they want or need and i just get them that. That saves the time of wondering what they might need or want.
How do I handle Christmas as a minimalist Christian? Not celebrate it 😆 no but for real I have never celebrated Christmas, I can only imagine the stress
I agree. I am only having a tree. I am only going to give money for experiences. My bf has been taken ill and he is unable to do the walking experience but with the money he can do something else. Money offers versatility. He gets more money as I'm not getting money for the family and kids. I'm spending Xmas solo. The only things I'm getting are two diamond painting sets and a rain hat for heavy rain. Just getting stuff I need and will use. It will save my family money as they will save money too
I have two tiny trees. My total spent on them...$6. I expect them to live for a few years. I decorate them every year. My last tree died this year. We don't exchange gifts anymore around Christmas. We wait until the after Christmas clearance sales to buy stuff for each other. We drive around and look at decorations. Oftentimes the decorations we like the most are the simplest.
We're not getting gifts for people. We are taking my mother-in-law out for brunch and paying for her dog sitter. We are spending Christmas with my parents. We might get something small and useful for them or bring some cut flowers.
Christmas turns out to be very stressful (and expensive) again this year, because family and friends do expect gifts. My husband and I want to tell them in the new year that we would like to stop this. Same with birthdays. If we need something we can always go and buy it ourselves. I wouldn’t say no to a little flower or something I can consume (like a bottle of wine), but I don’t need packages with crap that I’m not going to use anyway. After every Christmas I end up with a bag full of stuff that I will give away again.
We are doing Secret Santa this year. Our family is huge and it really hits our pockets to buy gifts for everyone (kids are not included, they get presents from everyone :)).
Loved this discussion. I found myself wishing this video was longer because I was enjoying hearing your thoughts and ideas. Definitely have been switching from gifts to experiences. Dinners, travel, babysitting for free, etc to create experiences with the people I love. Keep up the great content!
But with experiences you still need to know what the person would enjoy. Like I wouldn't want a massage. I buy gifts to only a few people - those who really add value to my life. I bought gift card that can be used in quite a few restaurants and shops, then I also bought hand knitted fair trade wool socks. I don't like to buy for a gift something that is mass produced if that is for a person that I value in my life.
It's sad we have to justify and write rules just to fit in with whatever you are trying to accomplish. Your home and tree look nice. Love what you do, and do what you love. I
Donate to charities in that person’s name. They will receive a thank you card. Many churches have a giving tree during Advent. Pick a tag and let a child and/or family have something under the tree. At your place of work, adopt a family. Work at a local soup kitchen or ring a Salvation Army bell for a couple of hours.
I love real Xmas tree but does not work for us. last one died and was smelling so bad before Xmas day. This year for gifts I want to bake sweet goodies and buy only two new toys for my kids. And I am working on Xmas decor keeping it simple.
I always felt ppl get stressed out because they want to.... I have never stressed... For what! It defeats the whole reason for the season... My kids are grown now my circle is non existance and I gift myself with something ive wanted but was too stingy to get or my kids give me $ and I get it that way...and my grandson and my kids get $ cause thats what they need...my eldest being a new mom will get a spa day this year.... Speak up if u cant afford to gift....speak up if u dont want gifts or request a $ donation for an animal shelter or other charities that need this way more than we do....set boundaries and be honest....same for xmas cards....NO!!!
I'm not a minimalist but, I've stop buying things we don't need Any more..a bit hard with a 7 yr old daughter... But she has learn that if she doesn't play with something anymore.. We donate she passes that toy to a friend and that way she knows she will have something new... So yeah...decor to a minimum just for her while still enjoying the moment and thats what matters the most..
I've been thinking about what I'll be asking for Christmas this year, and when I know who will gave me my present I'll say that if he/her can give me the money to get it (online) bc my family doesn't know how to order stuff on a website 🥺👀
I disagree about telling people you don’t want their gifts. It’s tactless, and unkind. Thank them for the gift, and maybe take a picture or video of yourself using it to send to them. Then quietly regift or declutter it if it really isn’t something you want/need. Most of the time the giver will completely forget about the gift they gave you in a few months, but they will remember how you reacted to the gift they gave. Remember, gift giving is a love language, and outright rejecting someone’s gift can feel like you are rejecting their love.
I am childfree by choice and I don't have to spend anything on kids and grand kids. Not having kids make christmas a whole lot cheaper, easier and less stressful.
I gotta say one thing...has everyone turned into a Scrooge? This is once a year? I remember people would set a Christmas Club aside to make Christmas special.
I feel really sad for the real tree :( We could use just branches. Using a whole tree for just a little time as decoration makes me so sad :(( I wish we could all respect nature a little more 🙏🏽
A Christmas tree farm is a small family business and provides winter farm income, the Scouts here collect the used trees and chip them for forest paths in the park. Don't cut wild trees, dispose responsibly, and enjoy your 🎄
We live near several lakes..game wardens and lake management always request the trees after the holidays be put at a special location and they then use them in the lakes for habitats for fish...
Are you doing gifts this year?
We've decided to not do presents for our extended families this year. Ours kids got kayaks and a few other things that they need. So glad we are having a year off. I usually get rid of all the presents I have been given without a few months. They are never things that I want or need. I've tried to talk to the grandparents about gifting our kids with experiences rather than things. It works so much better for our family.
Adults aren't gifting to each other but we are doing gifts for the kids.
We do experiences only now and it's been a huge success!
My partner and I are traveling to Florida next month to see my grandparents and visit universal studios. We agreed to not exchange gifts and use our funds towards the trip and having fun during that instead :)
secret santa for both my partners family and mine... SO much easier!!!
Never
So, one Christmas season, a long time ago, I said to my sisters and brother, let’s not exchange gifts anymore. They were like 🎉🥳😃 hooray! So we only get for our own kids and grand kids. And even that is not a ton. And if we all get together we all bring a food or wine item. So Merry Christmas. The end. 🎄
I'm working on this... I got as far this year as to pick a name from the jar so we only have to purchase for 1 of the many siblings/ spouses. Next year I will bring out the big guns and just say NO. 😆
@@wintersolstice4793 we started out buying everything, like you guys. Then we said, let’s draw names. And that worked for a couple of years. Then I said to the crew, and we are a big crew, let’s just forget it. And they were more than happy with that. And it not only saves money, but we don’t have to go shopping and go insane trying to buy the right thing. It really cuts down on the stress level.
Consumables are great presents-like coffee, wine, chocolate, soap, etc, or like you said, experiences-just use them up and they’re gone! Christmas decorations-live tree, live wreath, candles, oranges with cloves, pinecones (even painted with snow) then after Christmas take off the lights and the few ornaments and all the rest gets put in the compost! Viola not much to store and you had a beautiful natural Christmas.
I actually asked my Mom what she wanted for Christmas. She's a very frugal person and has taught me to be conscious about money. Me and my husband are working our asses off saving 70% of our income to buy a house and live debt free in a couple of years. She reply: "I just want you guys to save the money to buy the house and for us to have a nice dinner all together on Christmas night. I know you've been working hard for that".
I won't get her anything this year, but once I'm debt free I'll treat her to some very well deserved vacations. She's given me the best gift of all: an education.
Greetings from Portugal and Merry Christmas!
I bowed out of Christmas - unapologetically - many years ago. I have a large family but the season stresses me out. I live on an island many thousands away with my cat so the distance helps. 😆 I made an ornament and hung it on my fridge.
😍
My ideal, but still need my Home Altar, and just decorate Altar with fresh Evergreens and Hollies. My home Altar always have images of Jesus, Mary and Joseph with a Crucifix hanging above. That is all I need to set up for all Christian Holidays, including Easter.
We are doing a white elephant exchange this year but I told my kids that they are still getting money. We are frugal but we are in a place in our life that giving monetary gifts is fun. They are all in their mid to late 20’s. We are in our 50’s. It brings me great joy to give them money so they can buy what they want or save it. I can’t imagine a Christmas where I didn’t give anyone anything because I wanted to keep it all for myself. I’ve waited years to be able to do this.
We are in our 70's. The kids give us gift cards for restaurants. We give cash. My kids and grandchildren exchange gifts. Other grandparents give museum memberships. No one needs tons of junk. My grandkids like to go to comic con, my son likes Sci fi gatherings. Happy Holidays, Tina
I agree. The spirit of Christmas is in enjoying the company of those you love. We spend the money in giving a nice experience or meeting them. Things like you mentioned: museum memberships, learning courses, magazine subscriptions, activity days, tickets for theatre or events, day trips, vouchers for restaurants, weekend escapes... The exception: special/celebratory food or drinks, which we often buy for each other. This way, we get wonderful memories, we eat and drink well, and bring home no clutter.
I started decluttering in January and I discovered that a lot of the things that were just not getting used were gifts. Nice gifts too. But nothing I actually needed or wanted. So I just started telling people stuff they could gift me for Christmas. Communication helps.
I always feel like I'm the only person on earth dont like receiving others' gifts and spending time to think of what should I give them, Me and my friend share the same idea of eating out one meal together instead of exchanging gifts.
As a minimalist I enjoy twinkle cosy lights, small tree, practical gifts and enjoy the quiet time. Country walks and time to reflect on that year. Merry Christmas everybody ❤️
Drawing, greeting cards, food , daily useful products are great ideas
I've done practically no gifts for 3 years now, I told my family and friends i no longer want gifts as its bad for the environment etc and just said I won't be buying them one, so I prefer them not to get me one too, and my family were happy to do this, the only presents I receive are from my husband who knows what I want but still gives me that nice little Christmas gift to open on the day
Your basic attitude of generosity and gratitude really works here. As you said, it allows you to be minimialist but not be a jerk about it.
Experiences and practical gifts aka jeans that you need are the best gifts!! Quality time and making memories are the richest gift
Great video thank you Gabe. Personally I ask for no gifts, I send e-cards, and for those that insist of gift giving they get chocolate and/or alcohol. My trees is artificial which I got when I was 16, I'm now in my mid 40's and it still looks good so there's no need to replace it, and I've pretty much got all the same decorations for it that I bought at the time, with just a few exceptions. Also I've brought my son up understanding that life isn't about buying things that don't give you joy, he's in his early teens now and has only asked for an upgrade on his pc, rather than a new one, and 1 game for a console so far. Personally I love the twinkly lights and the Christmas music, and one of my favourite things to do this time of year is to drive round with some tunes playing, looking at all the pretty lights and a hot chocolate in my reusable cup. Merry Christmas everyone ⛄🌲❤️
We’ve exchanged wish lists for years. A list let’s us know we are buying something they want or need. Our kids are in their 40’s now, one grandson. The best part of the season is the gatherings and laughter. Getting something for the kids, our grandson blesses us, the lists are a must.
I make homemade candy for gifts, except for my young daughter. I've tried to get my family to stop exchanging, but they still do. I no longer feel embarrassed about giving candy. I put a lot of time and love into it. I do wish they would chill with all the gifts though😜
I've tried several different structured gift exchanges within our smaller extended family and nothing seems to stick with a certain relative because of their love of gift giving. Some of us hate dealing with giving so many gifts or have financial stressors around that many gifts, or would just rather spend the time together doing something else, etc. I've finally accepted that I can't organize anything to reduce the cost or quantity of gifts. But I can choose not to feel bad if someone chooses to spend more money on gifts than I do. And I can choose to keep giving yummy food gifts even if they think it's weird.
I always remember gifting a very expensive version of a food item, something high quality. A type of food they love. The recipient seemed confused at the gift. But they ended up loving it. Then asked where to buy it. And were shocked at the cost. Duh. That's why it was a gift. A special treat. Nothing they'd buy for themselves. But they thoroughly enjoyed it. The gift was under $10, but for what it was, it was multiple times more expensive than what they'd spend on that item.
This year I made an advent calendar for my daughter of activities instead of stuff. We baked cookies, read stories, made crafts, learned about different traditions and things like that. Honestly, it was the most fulfilling part of Christmas for me.
Awesome video Gabe. I love the idea of the “experience gift”. Hubby and I have been doing that for years but I would much rather to do the Airbnb thing with the family than stressing about useless gifts. Thanks for you videos, big fan!
My sister in law created advent calendars for her friends out of little bags numbered 1-24 and filled them with little things from around her house! Minimizing and gifting at the same time! 🤣
That's a decluttering of all her white elephants. Seems insincere and obligatory gift-giving. No thanks.
Very creative! The Season before Christmas Day, is really not Christmas, it's a Season of Spiritual Preparation for Christmas, and that Season is called ADVENT.
I did this years ago and it’s led to a stressless season
So glad you went with a fresh tree as well! We decorate for Christmas and switch for seasons as well. It’s home after all 👍🏻
Omg! Congratulations on 100k!!! 🖤
I collect branches in the wood and put them in the vase and decorate them. There are gifts but only for my daughter and my gifts are usually selfmade coupons for her holidays and something I know that she needs but does not expect me to buy for her. This year we also bought a game, that we will play together at Christmas and I can lend it my colleagues after we have played it. My daughter usually gives me some kind of pictures of her. This year she bought me stuff and she also asked me beforehand, if I'd like it and will come in handy.
🤍🤍🤍
I agree with you about Xmas to commercial. I just buy the basics . All the best . Reg in Dublin Ireland
on you wanting jeans for xmas, the spirit of giving is still totally present; it gives the gifter opportunity to choose a style they think you would like while removing the stress of struggling to choose the perfect gift. great stuff gabe 😄 happy holidays!
Real trees are the best! They give you a different look every year. Family gatherings are much more memorable than 20 pairs of sox! Lol
May you have a wonderful Christmas season!
I love this video ❤ I would say my favorite so far. So heartfelt. Awsome stuff, Gabe. Happy holidays.
Thanks! glad you enjoyed it! it was nice to kinda just talk and share in this one
Couldn't have posted at a better time, thanks Gabe! ☺ I gotta ask though, have any advice for how to tactfully handle family that you've tried to express your minimalist lifestyle to that still insist on gift giving?
You have to respect others and their diverse ways of being. Like Gabe says, be honest, send them a nicely decorated email Christmas Card with a stuffless wish list. Mine was: 1. Car Christmas Karaoke and light viewing with drive thru hot chocolate. 2. Everyone bring over a snack Christmas Eve and we'll play Charades. 3. Donation to the free Christmas skate program! If someone has to give you a thing inna box, ask for something home made, and be grateful whatever they give you, cause they love you and this year they're here.
Love Special Food and spending time with people as presents
Years ago, we were buying for siblings, nieces and nephews etc. So, we decided to give to a charity in their name (like buying a goat for a family, or contributing to water projects etc.) But now that we have grandchildren, it is so much fun to give them amazing presents. We do the three gifts per child, one toy, some clothes and an experience.
I was really curious to know how minimalists do the holidays. When I approached my gf with the ideas of minimalism her first response was "but what about holiday decorating?" which is valid, since we both enjoy it. I know my parents are downsizing so they don't need "stuff", so it's good to set that expectation ahead of time. I'm focusing on getting annual passes to places or something that will be a memorable experience or added comfort. Candy for stocking stuffers as always.
Ya I went a little different this year I made my Christmas decorations and tree out of paper. I like it way better then buying a tree and buying ornaments it was fun doing crafts with the husband. And I am had making my gifts nothing extravagant I like the thought put into it better
What a cute little tree
i kinda like it lol
Great stuff, thanks for this video. For the past several years, our family has brought anonymous envelopes with donations inside to our Christmas gathering and we have been gathering these up and sending it off to support 2-3 girls in a village in Guatemala to go to school. One of the girls is still in high school and one young woman is now part way through medical school. We are in touch with the person who delivers the funds and two of our own kids have been there to visit the school and meet the girls and their families. It's a much more meaningful thing to support this school in a place where most girls don't ever get to high school. We don't need more stuff ourselves, so we do stockings (with mostly consumable, low waste stuff inside) and play games and enjoy each others' company. :)
I dont know if its my age, giving gifts or buying gifts have significantly reduced. If i were to give them something ill give them something they can use or easily consume. I also just ask the person if there was anything they want or need and i just get them that. That saves the time of wondering what they might need or want.
We give a little something to our parents but that is it. Have a very Merry Christmas and may you receive many blessings in 2022.
How do I handle Christmas as a minimalist Christian? Not celebrate it 😆 no but for real I have never celebrated Christmas, I can only imagine the stress
Your videos are amazing! Love watching you Gabe! Keep it up💪🏻
Cheers🥂
My very favorite video I've seen of yours. Really great.
I agree. I am only having a tree. I am only going to give money for experiences. My bf has been taken ill and he is unable to do the walking experience but with the money he can do something else. Money offers versatility. He gets more money as I'm not getting money for the family and kids. I'm spending Xmas solo. The only things I'm getting are two diamond painting sets and a rain hat for heavy rain. Just getting stuff I need and will use. It will save my family money as they will save money too
I have two tiny trees. My total spent on them...$6. I expect them to live for a few years. I decorate them every year. My last tree died this year. We don't exchange gifts anymore around Christmas. We wait until the after Christmas clearance sales to buy stuff for each other. We drive around and look at decorations. Oftentimes the decorations we like the most are the simplest.
Knitting shawls , sweaters, gloves , casual clothes , don't cut tree , but plant one and u can decorate it yearly
Our family has decided that this Christmas will be just about getting together and not about the gifts.
We're not getting gifts for people. We are taking my mother-in-law out for brunch and paying for her dog sitter. We are spending Christmas with my parents. We might get something small and useful for them or bring some cut flowers.
Your ideas are great! Have a joyous Christmas!!
Christmas turns out to be very stressful (and expensive) again this year, because family and friends do expect gifts. My husband and I want to tell them in the new year that we would like to stop this. Same with birthdays. If we need something we can always go and buy it ourselves. I wouldn’t say no to a little flower or something I can consume (like a bottle of wine), but I don’t need packages with crap that I’m not going to use anyway. After every Christmas I end up with a bag full of stuff that I will give away again.
We are doing Secret Santa this year. Our family is huge and it really hits our pockets to buy gifts for everyone (kids are not included, they get presents from everyone :)).
Family dinner, it is must . Be creative in cooking but also good fulfilling meal course .
Watching from Los Angeles, California
Good on ya Gabe 🎄
Grow a tree in your backyard in a pot - use it over and over and over again. Move outside once Xmas is over.
Loved this discussion. I found myself wishing this video was longer because I was enjoying hearing your thoughts and ideas. Definitely have been switching from gifts to experiences. Dinners, travel, babysitting for free, etc to create experiences with the people I love. Keep up the great content!
Plz...5:35. The ducky reminds me of Ernie and Bert on Sesame Street and which one of these pictures doesn't belong? 😀
Don't do gifts anymore. But i have small family. Will give money to niece and nephew. Christmas magic is fun for kids.
Yep! Yep! and .... Yep! : )
You can use Christmas tree photo as well...
But with experiences you still need to know what the person would enjoy. Like I wouldn't want a massage. I buy gifts to only a few people - those who really add value to my life. I bought gift card that can be used in quite a few restaurants and shops, then I also bought hand knitted fair trade wool socks. I don't like to buy for a gift something that is mass produced if that is for a person that I value in my life.
It's sad we have to justify and write rules just to fit in with whatever you are trying to accomplish. Your home and tree look nice.
Love what you do, and do what you love. I
Cutting Down a real tree every year is better for the environment than having a plastic tree for years
Love the sloth ❤️
Donate to charities in that person’s name. They will receive a thank you card. Many churches have a giving tree during Advent. Pick a tag and let a child and/or family have something under the tree. At your place of work, adopt a family. Work at a local soup kitchen or ring a Salvation Army bell for a couple of hours.
Luv from India.
You can still give gifts you just don't need to buy them.Give the ones you love and care about of your time.
I love real Xmas tree but does not work for us. last one died and was smelling so bad before Xmas day.
This year for gifts I want to bake sweet goodies and buy only two new toys for my kids. And I am working on Xmas decor keeping it simple.
I have stopped giving and wanting gifts. We have a nice dinner, we sit down together and talk and that's it.
I always felt ppl get stressed out because they want to.... I have never stressed... For what! It defeats the whole reason for the season... My kids are grown now my circle is non existance and I gift myself with something ive wanted but was too stingy to get or my kids give me $ and I get it that way...and my grandson and my kids get $ cause thats what they need...my eldest being a new mom will get a spa day this year.... Speak up if u cant afford to gift....speak up if u dont want gifts or request a $ donation for an animal shelter or other charities that need this way more than we do....set boundaries and be honest....same for xmas cards....NO!!!
I'm not a minimalist but, I've stop buying things we don't need Any more..a bit hard with a 7 yr old daughter... But she has learn that if she doesn't play with something anymore.. We donate she passes that toy to a friend and that way she knows she will have something new... So yeah...decor to a minimum just for her while still enjoying the moment and thats what matters the most..
Re-gifting next year? Do you really want to have that gift sitting in your house for a year until you give it to someone else?
No! To the thrift store it goes.
It's so cool that you can just chop off any trees out there. In Singapore, we'd be fined if we chop off any trees without the authority's approval!
It sounds like he went to a place that lets you pick your own tree and cut it down as he said it was a bit cheaper due to some parts being bare 👍🏻
I've been thinking about what I'll be asking for Christmas this year, and when I know who will gave me my present I'll say that if he/her can give me the money to get it (online) bc my family doesn't know how to order stuff on a website 🥺👀
I disagree about telling people you don’t want their gifts. It’s tactless, and unkind. Thank them for the gift, and maybe take a picture or video of yourself using it to send to them. Then quietly regift or declutter it if it really isn’t something you want/need.
Most of the time the giver will completely forget about the gift they gave you in a few months, but they will remember how you reacted to the gift they gave. Remember, gift giving is a love language, and outright rejecting someone’s gift can feel like you are rejecting their love.
I don't do Christmas. There's nothing more minimalistic than that. I find Christmas a stressful time. I don't have a family.
Nice
Watching from Singapore...the little red dot 😁
❤️
*Have half a Christmas tree* 😂🙏❤️
Lol
I am childfree by choice and I don't have to spend anything on kids and grand kids. Not having kids make christmas a whole lot cheaper, easier and less stressful.
your backgorund mousic is too loud and too distracting, other than that I love your content.
I spent 5min maybe 6 decorating. no gifts
How do I subscribe to your extra material for $3 a month? I would love to
th-cam.com/channels/3F3zZFiRElw2GLwzndp05A.htmljoin
I gotta say one thing...has everyone turned into a Scrooge? This is once a year? I remember people would set a Christmas Club aside to make Christmas special.
Do you send Christmas cards to friends and family?
I feel really sad for the real tree :( We could use just branches. Using a whole tree for just a little time as decoration makes me so sad :(( I wish we could all respect nature a little more 🙏🏽
Why would someone would like to be associated with someone so cheap?
minimalistic does notgowith cuttinga living plant foryour short time pleasure.shame on you
A Christmas tree farm is a small family business and provides winter farm income, the Scouts here collect the used trees and chip them for forest paths in the park. Don't cut wild trees, dispose responsibly, and enjoy your 🎄
We live near several lakes..game wardens and lake management always request the trees after the holidays be put at a special location and they then use them in the lakes for habitats for fish...