I am focusing on more contentment this holiday season because this season can become overwhelming and stressful if we let it. Sometimes the hustle and bustle can strip away the joy this season is meant to bring. The pressure of keeping up with the trends and rushing to get it all done can bring stress. We end up forgetting how grateful we are for what we have because our focus isn’t on contentment.
I think we all struggle with being content with what we have. Society has painted a beautiful picture of more is better, and sadly, not only do we fall for it, but now our kids do too. It is perfectly okay that focusing on contentment will look very different for each of us. We aren’t meant to all be on the same level playing field, but I believe we can all strive for less in our lives. Stuff does not equate to joy, and it can’t bring true happiness.
Being joyful, and being happy, both come from the people in our community. Being surrounded by the people we love. But stuff… stuff brings or adds stress. Whether that is stress from always cleaning our homes or decluttering constantly. Maybe it is from working overtime just to make enough to get the things that make us fit in. Or maybe it’s going into debt to get that toy our child wants so they feel like they fit in at school.
Below are four tips we are doing this holiday season to keep our eyes on contentment:
Less is more (even when it comes to gifts)
We live in a society that always thrives for more. More house, toys, money, cars, and vacations. You name it – we are taught to want it. For Christmas, we have a rule that our children get five presents. I know some people think it’s stingy but hear me out. We follow the simple rule of a want, a need, a read, a clothing item, and a special gift. We also try to focus on gifting them experiences for the year instead of toys.
Also, my husband and I don’t exchange gifts. We do each other’s stockings, but if we are going to gift something to each other most of the time it is a big item that we need for our home. I know some people enjoy giving gifts, but for us, we just don’t need anything so why stress over trying to find a gift or spending money we don’t need to when we both just really want time together?
Practice donating and/or gifting
We are trying to get into a rhythm of donating or gifting items in our home to others monthly. I like the rule of one thing in, one thing out because it is easier for my kids to understand seeing the transaction being made. I know getting rid of things especially toys can be hard, but teaching our children about the joy of gifting them to others who need it more than we do is important.
Introduce no spend months
Over the last few years, we have loosely introduced no-spend months, but over the last year, we have hunkered down and tried to stick with it. We have introduced no-spend days and weeks, and once a year, typically in January, we will do a no-spend month. What has worked for us is a lot of pantry or shelf cooking, making grocery lists and sticking to them, no more getting coffee out every day (get a Ninja coffeemaker – you will never go back), and I have learned to stop browsing (no more random Target runs). Limiting the opportunities to online shop has also limited stuff (and eliminated cardboard boxes). It has taught us so much about contentment by creating restrictions because it forces us to focus on what we already have (which half the time we forget we even have).
Skip the deals
We try our best to stay out of the stores, especially during big sale days because I will be honest I love a good deal! But a good deal will only bring me short-lived joy because buyer’s remorse will settle in shortly after purchase. I find myself really questioning every purchase I make for our home now. In the words of Marie Kondo, “Does this spark joy?” I have even introduced this to my kids. When they want something they must ask themselves if it will bring them joy long-term or just for the moment. Doing this has also taught us lessons on money, responsibility, and value.
Instead of focusing on the stuff we lack, the holiday season should be a reminder that we all need to be content with what we do have. Almost two years ago, I wrote about becoming a minimalist. I had no idea what that blog post would do for my life. It sent me on a soul journey to find more contentment in my life with less stuff. I am nowhere near the finish line – or is there even one? But I am progressing towards true happiness and fulfillment that I have never felt before – by letting go of stuff. Are you focusing on more contentment this holiday season? Will you try some of these tips?
