The first Christmas was so simple. A stable, a family, love. Why is it that in 2019 we now feel the need to lavish one another with expensive gifts? Paying loads of money and potentially getting ourselves into debt for plastic toys and presents under the tree. It’s not what this time of year is all about. It’s time to enjoy a simple Christmas and spend time, not money.
Make A Budget
How much have you spent ahead of this Christmas? Is it hundreds of pounds? Maybe it’s thousands of pounds? Does it make you happy? Could you spend that money on something else and be just as content? Are you throwing money at things in order to fill a void? I’m not saying to not spend money on each other or buy gifts but simply budget and be sensible. Putting a budget in place (and sticking to it) helps to keep impulse purchases under control and avoid January woe.
Spend Time
So many people think that spending money on one another is what is important. When was the last time you unwrapped a gift which was all about spending time together? Kids are much more interested in the box than the item inside and they so often get bored of playing with it by the end of Christmas Day. What about giving a gift of time? Days out together. Cinema trips. Beach trips. Date nights. When we get to the end of our lives we’re going to look back with fondness of the people in them, not the stuff we’ve accumulated.
Enjoy Traditions
Whilst we mentioned the first Christmas above, the start of those traditions, the simplest of Christmases, enjoy freebies this season. Go for a walk through the city Christmas lights. Go to a carol singing concert and belt out some festive classics. Enjoy a nativity at the local church. These experiences we spend together, whilst so often free, are actually priceless. Enjoy traditional Christmas activities and make your own traditions too. Wrap gifts together. Cook together. Decorate your home as a family. A simple Christmas is perhaps the most important thing we can do for our families and the next generation.
Good For Your Mind
A simple Christmas is all about cutting back on those unimportant unnecessary things. It’s time to slow down and simplify your festive holidays. I know that when the house gets cluttered and we end up with loads of new gifts to find homes for, I find my mental health wavering. My mind can’t cope with mess. So many of us get overwhelmed with pressure of pre-Christmas but it’s so easy to do the same after Christmas. Where will all your new stuff go? Spring cleaning comes after Christmas because we need to reorganise our homes and with that, our minds.
Cut back, enjoy your family, make amazing memories together because those are the things you will always remember. Let me know over on Twitter how you’re cutting back this Christmas and how you’re enjoying the little things this festive season.
