minimalist – Short-Term Therapy

bigstock-Christmas-Seamless-Pattern-Wit-24446030 Shopping for the holidays puts many people under additional stress: from spending money they don’t have, to long wish lists from kids or family members, to the time it takes to fulfill these desires-turned-demands.

My first suggestion is to trim your gift-giving list. In our family, we went from buying presents for 15 people to just the kids, which was initially 4, and grew to be 6, but is still much more reasonable. Also, my husband and I don’t exchange gifts as we take a trip for our anniversary the next month, and his birthday is right around Christmas, so he gets a birthday gift, which is usually an experience (comedy club, weekend trip, performing arts event).

To trim things even further, use The Rule of 4. Continue reading “Minimizing Holiday Stress” →

I am one of the best gift givers most of my friends and family members know. I pay attention to the little details and give small, generally inexpensive, thoughtful gifts. I also give very few gifts, often a single item. This reduces waste and clutter, often re-purposing something from a thrift store or sale store into something unique and new, and leaves the recipient with no obligations to me or to display or use the gift. A gift, once given, is for the recipient to do with as they choose.

This holiday season, and going forward, I encourage you to use the Rule of 4 when giving to those that you would usually give abundantly. A child loves a pile of presents, but only plays with a few and it feels like a waste of time, money, energy, and storage to have such overkill. Give thoughtfully, and consider: Continue reading “Thoughtful Gift Giving” →