META: It's time to actually make this Christmas special by making a difference in your mindset. A change you've wanted to make for years.
This Christmas, don't buy rubbish.
I know some of us say this every year, but actually make this year the year you do something about it.
I've been walking around a lot recently and thinking about our modern approach to this time of year, and frankly, I'm sick of this shit.
This Christmas, don't buy rubbish.
I know some of us say this every year, but actually make this year the year you do something about it.
I've been walking around a lot recently and thinking about our modern approach to this time of year, and frankly, I'm sick of this shit.
I walked past stocking stuffers the other day, and, as I'm sure you can agree, there's such an endless amount of garbage. Literally. We produce over 280 million tons of the stuff every single year. 140 million of it goes to landfill.
I know it's nice, and seeing our kid's faces light up is second to none. But come on. So much is rubbish.
Think of all the little plastic bits of nothingness we give our kids.
All for a couple of seconds of wonder, and dopamine hits before it's chucked to the side, stuffed in a drawer, and eventually cleared out and put in the bin. My head is exploding just thinking about it!
Why are we settling for this?
We had one big birthday party for my five-year-old (we said he could have a big birthday bash at least once)
He is a winter baby and was always jealous of his brother being able to do things outside in the summer so I had to think outside of the box to create a really special birthday. I organised horse-led sleigh rides at a local farm. It was a hit, meeting the farm animals, snowball fights, tubing, snow angels, and of course no birthday bash could be complete without pizza! What more could a kid ask for?
All his friends bought presents. I watched as he tore through box after box, looking at each for a minute or two before he became overwhelmed with excitement for the next.
I don't blame him.
Anyone would do the same with a mountain of gifts in front of them.
But it did teach me a valuable lesson.
We and our families, of all ages, are overwhelmed with stuff. Let's take time to pause and give something meaningful this Christmas.
Rather than buying gifts from the dollar store, why not donate to a food bank? Animal shelters? Or adopt a family in your community and give them things they may never be able to afford for themselves.
Let's teach our kids that less is more, create memories, and give experiences.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that you should never buy anything and gifts are off the table.
Instead, think of long-lasting memories. Maybe a membership to a museum, music or dance lessons?
Or do something outrageous with your family and make it a Christmas to remember.
We opted to help a family in need. Family Children and Services of Waterloo gave us lists for a family of four, which was perfect as we were also a family of four.
When we shopped, the kids were first in line to help, they thoroughly enjoyed the experience from buying the gifts, wrapping them, making beautiful handmade Christmas Cards, cookies and cupcakes. It was a family event and every single person participated.
We went to deliver the presents and they made sure that the staff in charge knew that the cookies were really special, my youngest even made sure there was something for Santa and the reindeer.
Both boys still talk about it today because they got a chance to help a whole family. This year we are in different countries but from 2023, we have every intention of making this into a family tradition. They have opted to have less so that we can help others. I completely agree with them as in today’s world there are so many who are less fortunate.
Of course, it's nice to open something on the day instead of something forgotten about in a week or two.
Get something thoughtful.
For example, an album of photos from the year gone by or a homemade card with a heartfelt message. Or a toy that they really, really want.
I love creating collages on canvas. It lasts a lifetime and every time they walk past it, they smile!
You don't have to go full minimalist, but teaching a minimalist lifestyle's values is valuable.
Instead of trying to get as much stuff as possible in life, teach yourself and your kids that it's far more fulfilling to have a few things that really mean something to you.
And there are endless ways to get creative with this.
When the kids were younger, we donated their toys every year to make space for the new ones coming at birthdays, Diwali, and Christmas. Some never even got opened. That's how much waste we have.
Trust me; I'm not a cheapskate.
Instead, think of it this way - when you die, do you think your kids will keep any of your things?
No, they're all going to end up in the charity shop or garbage.
Buy less, save and make experiences count!
Book a family Mandala Workshop or henna party, both are extremely fun and they will remember it for years to come.
