Since retiring we have all embraced the idea of what I like to refer to as our “low key” approach to the holiday season. It used to be a huge source of stress for most of us to get ready for Christmas. After having “the talk” we all agreed to ditch the gift giving and just concentrate on the actual day instead.
We still give gifts to each other but our criteria has changed dramatically. Since prices continue to rise and everyone is on the move or about to be on the move or downsizing gifts need to be small, inexpensive and useful. I personally love to give and receive gift cards and consumables. Soaps, lotions, coffees or teas, wine or alcohol, chocolate, cookies, pumpkin bread, cheeses or fruit, those types of things are very much appreciated.
We definitely do not buy any clothing items for each other anymore. None of us truly knows what the other likes and with sizing being unpredictable you often just end up giving someone and errand rather than a gift and no one enjoys returning stuff to the store. And honestly, how many pairs of fuzzy socks does one person truly need.
The holidays are much easier and far less stressful now while saving all of us a ton of money. No one is going into debt or feeling pressured to get just the right gifts. Instead we focus on the yummy foods and desserts and create loads of fun new experiences, which is all we ever remember anyway. With a quieter, less hurried and more relaxed pace we enjoy this time of year and now instead of dreading it, we look forward to it. No way are we going back now!
We downsized holidays many years ago and it was one of the best things we've ever done. Now I look forward to the entire season doing things to celebrate the season instead of buying 'stuff' that no one really needs. I'm working on my December list of fun things to do now. Some things are as simple as decorate the house, bake cookies, etc. It's made December much more fun.
ReplyDeleteI feel like even when my brood was little we did low stress holidays. We never traveled to in-laws, which helped. Kids were allowed to ask for one item from us, one from Santa. When they became aware to want to get us gifts, the other parent took the kid shopping. The rule was they had to be able to purchase what they wanted to get with their own money, unless it was pitching in for a joint gift. My kids were not above wrapping a can of hairspray, (and once a roll of gorgeous wrapping paper I admired at a drugstore) nor were they strangers to unwrapping a bottle of fancy shampoo under the tree! Our focus has always been on the run up—enjoying the decor, baking, and enjoying seasonal snacks and drinks. I always said we can’t enjoy the Christmas season if we’re running all over the island. The day itself is a slow morning of mimosas *, bagels and lox, modest gift exchange and preparing a leisurely prime rib dinner .
ReplyDelete*One year, we realized we were out of orange juice, so I was going to make champagne cocktails for DH and me. A perhaps 5 year olds kid’s lip started to quiver, and before he could inhale, DH was out the door to the local store open until noon to get orange juice so kids could have their virgin mimosas in fancy crystal flutes! I realized then how much more those things meant to them than the gifts!
-Meg B.