Monthly Archives: December 2024

“After coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11, King James Version.

Growing up, Christmas was a huge production. One week before the big day, we’d “break up” the house by disarranging everything.  Then, we’d clean the walls, windows, floor a everything in sight. A bit of painting following together with varnishing of the wooden furniture. On Christmas eve night, we “put away” the house for Christmas, that is, we cleaned up the house, put the furniture back in its place, order, hung lights and new curtains.

“Putting away” was an all-night, labour-intensive affair that usually ended in the wee hours of Christmas morning. When everyone got up on Christmas morning, the living room was spic and span, bringing a deep sense of satisfaction because we did it. We got everything ready for Christmas, on time. It was magical.

One thing was different to what we now see. Each person – parent and child – had a small gift in the gift corner because we didn’t have a tree or stockings. The reason: we were a large family and money was relatively scarce. We just couldn’t afford anything else. The outcome: we spent the Christmas season stress-free and guilt-free. What a gift in and of itself!

Now that I’m grown and have my own family, I do things differently. “No breaking-up” and “putting-away” of the house. It feels silly to have the house in disarray for weeks and leave so much to do at the last minute.  My Christmas house decorating is usually finished by the first week in December. That way, I can enjoy the fruits of my labour. A Christmas tree, a wreath, and few lights are all I need to get into the Christmas spirit.

These days, with my daughter all grown-up and out of the house, I struggle with something different: I want to avoid excess.

My husband and I have most of what we need, so we (mostly me) have a new way to Christmas shop, including gift-giving. We follow a simple rule: Give each other something that’s practical, that’s needed, and will be used. When we started, my husband tried it, and it didn’t go so well. He gave me a gift card to a spa forgetting that I don’t like to be touched, especially by strangers. It took me two years to drum up enough courage to visit the spa, and when I went there this year, the spa service had been discontinued. Be careful about the gift cards you give. You don’t want to waste money.

Talking about wasting money. It is so easy to do this at Christmas-time. We try to please so many people- friends, family, church members, and wind up spending so much money needlessly just because, we want to appear generous. The truth is, we must not put this kind of pressure on ourselves. We are the only ones hurt in the process.

There is a better way. I follow it and it works. I make a list and plan what I am going to buy long before I actually go shopping.  Then I set a “hard” budget that feels right for me, and stick with it. When I do shopping, if I didn’t plan for it, it doesn’t get bought. Having a budget doesn’t mean cutting out the fun; it just means focusing on what matters most to you and your family.

We also give our daughter a single gift from both of us, though she gets two cards. I listen to what my husband talks about and get it for him.  After three and a half decades of marriage, surprising him for Christmas is not high on my agenda.  For young family members, I like to give books or craft materials to promote learning.

I like to give cards so I usually buy some for friends and acquaintances. I get specific ones for friends, and boxed one for colleagues and acquaintances. Time-permitting, I sometimes throw in a few home-made cookies, and a pack of favourite teas or hot chocolate to say I care. We talk a lot about service and helping others, and yes, I try to give a gift to one or two seniors at church, and neighbours along with cards.

You can also donate to local charities or volunteer to share Christmas meals to the needy. This can bring so much joy, and it’s a lovely way to connect with the community, and spread kindness, especially to those who may be spending Christmas alone.

So, this 2024 Christmas, do your best to conserve and save money. Have a happy minimalist Christmas. We really don’t know what 2025 will bring. Something tells me that “challenging” might be a good word to describe it.

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