Have you ever simplified your Christmas?
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (37443)
November 17, 2024 8:38pm CST
Like many people, over the years of all the kids being home, Christmas got more and more hectic. More food, more gifts, more wrapping of gifts, more planning, and definitely more exhausting. One day I realized we just didn't enjoy it like that anymore, it was just too much work, and we weren't focusing on what Christmas really is, and what it meant.
I talked to the kids...they were all for simplifying Christmas. Less of everything, concentrate on favorite foods and family time, and a special gift or two seemed to mean a lot more than just how many they really got or truly needed.
Don't get me wrong--we love the holiday season. But it can get so stressful, and often the work of it all falls on one person. Then the clean-up and the aftermath falls on the same person. There is the stress of finding just the perfect gift for certain people, or having everyone's favorite foods, etc. Honestly, I think at times we just make more work for ourselves and forget the meaning of Christmas.
I have seen families go into big debt over Christmas, because this child or that one wanted expensive items that they didn't have the money for. This is not terribly smart...I am sure the bills for the items will arrive shortly after the new year starts. I have also heard of families paying on such charges for the entire year, until they do it again the next Christmas. Living within our means isn't always fun...but charging gifts and paying on them for a year isn't fun, either.
So, I am all for getting back to basics. The holidays can still be special without all the hoopla, and keeping it simple is just not nearly as stressful. After all, joy comes from people, not things...I would love to see things be simpler and less stressful. I'm still working on it, and have been gearing it down for years now.
“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store, perhaps Christmas means a little bit more.” The Grinch, Dr. Seuss.
Are you trying to simplify?
picture from google, via yopriceville site
24 people like this
22 responses
@snowy22315 (180664)
• United States
18 Nov
Everybody that I give gifts to are adults most of whom don't have space for any more "stuff" so it isn't a big deal in the first place.
8 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
I honestly do not want more stuff to dust! The only stuff I want to add to my shelves is if the grands make something for Grandma. 
7 people like this
@sallypup (61088)
• Centralia, Washington
18 Nov
Through circumstances beyond me I have no family other than hubby to celebrate Christmas with. Our holiday has been pretty simple for years though we do send out Yule Tales. This Christmas for the second time friends have invited us for dinner so we'll go there for an hour or so. They're low key folks.
7 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
Low key is wonderful, low key also almost always means, low stress and less work. I am glad you are invited to your friend's home. You no doubt will take delicious baking...I can see that happening. 
6 people like this
@sallypup (61088)
• Centralia, Washington
18 Nov
@MarieCoyle You have been spying on me. Friend said bring vegetable. Blah! said me. I brought a fruit crisp last year. Maybe a fruit pie this year??
5 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
@sallypup
Pie, breads, or veggie, whatever you bring will no doubt be delicious and much appreciated.
4 people like this
@allknowing (136369)
• India
18 Nov
What used to be hectic it is no longer so . I just have that party for poor kids for which I plan months in advance I normally entertain aroun d 50 kids plus 30 guests.
4 people like this
@allknowing (136369)
• India
18 Nov
@MarieCoyle This will be my 20th party. There will be contests, singing, dancing, lunch, and Santa giving away gifts to one and all including adults.
That is a good thing you are doing Christmas is for giving
4 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
I took a stack of fleece blankets and some baby blankets I made to a center putting together Christmas for families that need things, hopefully what I made will help a little one be warm this winter. Your party sounds huge to me.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
@allknowing
I always try to share something. Usually it’s children’s blankets that I’ve made throughout the year. I try to make them warm, soft, and cheerful. I hope they cause a smile or two.
4 people like this
@kaylachan (69646)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov
My last "big christmas was when I was 18. Now George and I just spend it with each other. nothing fancy.
3 people like this
@kaylachan (69646)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov
@MarieCoyle that's how it had been for years. We spent last Christmas in a rehab center watching Christmas Movies on Halmark.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
You spend your Christmas together, which is what really matters. Good for you, Kayla.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
@kaylachan
At least this year, you will be at home together, I know you are glad of that.
2 people like this
@rakski (122884)
• Philippines
18 Nov
@MarieCoyle that is true. Every Christmas morning before preparing for our family gathering outside, hubby and I with the kids will watch first a Christmas movie. It has become a sort of tradition since around 4 or 5 years ago
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
@rakski
That's kind of a neat idea. Gets you in the spirit of things early! I love new traditions.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
Spending the time with the people I love is honestly more important than gifts. It doesn't even matter where it is, just so it happens in some way.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (102799)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
18 Nov
My relatives and myself have a small artificial Christmas tree inside our home compared to having Christmas lights inside of our previous rental homes in the past.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
When I lived in a large home, we had a huge tree, and decorated way too much. It was a big job to put it up and take it down. Now that we live a lot smaller and simpler, I am perfectly satisfied with a small tree.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
@Dreamerby I’m sure that’s a very nice celebration to enjoy by the family.
1 person likes this
@Dreamerby (5081)
• Calcutta, India
18 Nov
We too have that. We use that every year. We are not Christians though but its fun to decorate it with small glittery faux gift box, faux cherries and dad places chocolates around the tree.
1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8763)
• United Kingdom
18 Nov
My Christmases have never been extravagant but I did simplify. I used to rush around trying to see everyone, getting my children ready and then hardly having time to really enjoy anything. For years now, my Christmas has been a Chrismtas Day at home where all we do is open presents, play games and have dinner. I refuse to go anywhere 
I have a list of people to buy for. Again, not extravagant. It will be a set cost and we don't buy more than three items for anyone other than my husband and sons.
We've had the same small Christmas tree for 10 years and we do very little to decorate.
I have a list of people to buy for. Again, not extravagant. It will be a set cost and we don't buy more than three items for anyone other than my husband and sons.
We've had the same small Christmas tree for 10 years and we do very little to decorate.1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8763)
• United Kingdom
18 Nov
@MarieCoyle even though my children are adults, I still do what I can to have that special time with them
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
Nothing wrong with wanting to stay home and just be together. It sounds like a great holiday to me!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
@pumpkinjam
I do, too. For me, the time spent together is the most important thing of all.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55601)
• Los Angeles, California
18 Nov
When the kids were little, we had those overloaded (but fun) Christmases . . . perhaps to make it all sort of magical for them. But as they've gotten older, we definitely have simplified things . . . kinda like a shortcut Christmas which we're all fine with. It can still be made magical without all the fuss.
We've talked about our future Christmases . . . that instead of "gifts", maybe we'll aim for family trips (even if it is local). We don't need any more "things" . . . but making memories would always be welcome.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
One thing we have discussed is to sometime just go on a trip together, and have no gifts at all. No stress, nothing...I think that would be a wonderful thing to do.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
I think that's sort of how it should be. Simple is most often the best way to go.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (471497)
• Switzerland
18 Nov
It is a long time we do not have a big Christmas and the past 6 years a very simplified Christmas, only my husband and I. I love Christmas, I decorate the fireplace and put on a small Christmas tree and a crate, but no gifts, Christmas is not a commercial thing.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471497)
• Switzerland
19 Nov
@MarieCoyle - The stores are responsible for the commercialization of Christmas.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
I agree, sounds like the perfect celebration to me. Christmas is not supposed to be about things, but to many, it seems to be.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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20 Nov
@LadyDuck
It's reached the ridiculous stage. This year there were some stores selling Christmas items in August, before school started.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106225)
• Marion, Ohio
18 Nov
We have simplified a lot. I got a lot of the kids gifts at the auction the last couple of years. Anymore I just try to find a shirt or something that they will like. This year all 4 of the adults are getting warm scarves to wear. I found those at the auction.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106225)
• Marion, Ohio
19 Nov
@MarieCoyle He is supposed to. I have one little shirt for him
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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20 Nov
@wolfgirl569
I figured by now you would have crocheted a ton of blankets for him! You're always making something.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
I think it’s great that you find such great deals at the auctions. I remember you saying you bought things for your granddaughter during the year for Christmas.
Will the new baby arrive before Christmas?
1 person likes this
@Fleura (30382)
• United Kingdom
18 Nov
The first few years with my partner's family were a bit stressful because they would go overboard with gifts for both of us as well as the children. After a few years we just said 'Look, we really appreciate everything but let's just focus on the children' so since then we have just bought gifts for the children and sometimes a nice bar of chocolate or something like that for the adults.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
Fleur, I think you handled that problem very well. Sometimes, less is more. And easier to deal with. Everything doesn’t have to be lavish.
2 people like this
@Dreamerby (5081)
• Calcutta, India
18 Nov
Wow I would like to have gifts even after having children Why was having gifts stressful for you?
Why was having gifts stressful for you?2 people like this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
18 Nov
Now that I"m not working, the gift list has been pared down to 3. My husband and I don't exchange gifts...Have a good week.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
I can definitely understand cutting back. I just don’t understand the need some people have to make it more than they can afford and go into debt over it all.
2 people like this
@Dreamerby (5081)
• Calcutta, India
18 Nov
Have a good week Linda. Yes after a point of time, the gift list does reduce considerably.
1 person likes this
@thislittlepennyearns (62476)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
18 Nov
I have no idea what we are going to do yet. But hopefully simple.
3 people like this
@thislittlepennyearns (62476)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
18 Nov
@MarieCoyle I've started ordering some gifts when I can, but its going to be less than most years.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
@thislittlepennyearns
Ours has been pared way down as well. But that's fine.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
That is our plan as well. It's so commercially overblown, so much hype...it's just nicer to keep it simpler and less stressful.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (166911)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Nov
When it is so materialistic its not really Christmas to me. The fun during the holidays, to me, is creating and doing things as a family.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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18 Nov
This is how I feel about it all, too. Good for you!
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (166911)
• Boise, Idaho
18 Nov
@MarieCoyle ......I think so. It's all too commercialized.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (79833)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov
My holidays are now completely simple, Just memories, holiday movies, and a little Christmas tree,
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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20 Nov
I am glad that you have your memories, I know how much they mean.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121581)
• Gainesville, Florida
19 Nov
I think many years ago we decided as a family to simplify Christmas by going on vacation at Christmas. Every year, from Christmas Eve through New Years Day, we spend our holiday at Disney World. The only thing about Christmas where we go all out is decorating our yard and house. Lol
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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20 Nov
I think that is really nice...no cooking, cleaning, working, just spending time together. I know I would love that, too.
@JESSY3236 (19949)
• United States
19 Nov
I never really went all out with decorations. My uncle did and I have alot of decorations of his. I only buy a few gifts for three people and sometimes for my cats.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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20 Nov
That sounds like enough, and as long as it works, good for you, Jessica.
@MarieCoyle (37443)
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20 Nov
The big and expensive isn't done here, either. And we do fine with that as well.
1 person likes this
@Kamuigan (106)
•
18 Nov
Xmas brings me a huge sense of dread, pressure and anxiety every year. I just hate it.
The holiday has evolved into a show of who can decorate the most, who can spend the most, who can give or receive the most, etc. So the little things seem to not be appreciated anymore.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37443)
•
18 Nov
I don't hate it. But I do not like the way so many people feel there needs to be so much excess of everything--food, gifts, etc. To me, that is not what Christmas is all about.
The good little things in life is what keeps us going...so I do understand what you are saying.
1 person likes this
