For those who celebrate Christmas, it’s usually an opportunity to spend quality time with the ones they love and share food around the table. Yet for some, it can be stressful, overwhelming, even lonely.
The thing is, Christmas is meant to be enjoyable and stress-free. It’s about getting back to its true essence: giving unconditionally, connecting with others and keeping it simple.
So with a little planning, here are nine ways to have a simple, merry and affordable Christmas:
1. Embrace the Wallet-Friendly Spirit
Although it’s more about coming together than the gift giving, for as long as I can remember, my family has always spent a nominated amount at Christmas, which is usually $50 each. Twenty years ago it certainly went a lot further, but I still do a reasonable job of getting terrific value.
Whether it’s a specific gift, such as renewing an annual organic gardening magazine subscription, giving a gift voucher, or money going towards a much needed item or cause, it’s always appreciated. Plus, we all make fare for the table.
There have been times when I was part of larger, extended families and the traditional Kris Cringle always worked wonders. Again, it’s usually an affordable and specified amount.
2. Shop Locally
At Christmas, buy local and support growers, producers, artisans and makers. Not only are their wares or produce made and grown with love and consideration, they are often one-of-a-kind. And it’s always more personable to actually meet the maker.
To me, shopping at your local farmers’ or twilight markets, or small village of shops, is literally a breath of fresh air. Even better, you’re not driving around looking for a car park nor ending up in seemingly endless queues and dealing with frenzied staff, like when you head to big and overcrowded commercial shopping centres.
It’s usually at the produce markets that I gather a range of things to give as individual gifts or create mini-hampers, from organic, cold pressed olive oils to zesty homemade relishes and decadent raw cacao chocolate.
3. Eat Pleasurably & Mindfully
Whether you’re a meat eater, vegetarian or vegan, make sure you eat foods that are organic, free-range, ethically raised and/or fair food. And given southern Australia is ripe with the likes of succulent cherries, strawberries, boysenberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries at Christmas time, I either make a gluten-free summer berry pudding or a fresh seasonal summer berry fruit salad — all organic and straight from the grower, of course.
If you can’t pick-your-own or obtain freshly picked ones, get organic frozen berries, which I find are better for making summer berry puddings or berry ice-cream. And make sure you buy sufficient food, not too much or purely for the sake of it. It’s always great to have leftovers for the following days, providing it’s eaten, and turkey or chicken carcasses can be used to make broths, while any fruit or vegetable peelings can be composted.
Christmas Feast: Cinnamon roast pumpkin with chilli, coriander and yoghurt dressing.
4. Collect Handcrafted Christmas Decorations — in Moderation
Collect colourful, longlasting and ornamental handmade decorations, whether for year round hanging as individual pieces or collectively on a Christmas tree.
Many years ago my mum and I started the tradition of buying simple, well-made decorations — usually one or two at a time — from travels, whether it be at local Victorian country towns, interstate or overseas. I’ve since acquired one-off wooden, glass and handpainted decorations from the likes of Birregurra, Maleny, Tassie and France. Sometimes it’s for the Christmas tree; other times I give them as decorative keepsakes for friends.
Alternatively, make your own basic decorations from recycled materials. And if you have any decorations that haven’t been used for a while, donate them to op shops or organisations so that others can get into the festive spirit.
5. DIY Gift Tags & Reusable Gift Wrapping
Making your own gift tags or cards can be fairly straightforward and fun. Even better, buy small packs of plain vintage hang tags with cotton string and personalise them with your own creative bent.
If you have kids, try stamping them with sliced potatoes that have been cut into shapes and coated in a natural or vegetable dye. Alternatively, buy ready-made packs of artistically designed vintage hang tags made from brown kraft paper.
In terms of wrapping, place gifts in a reusable cardboard gift box, a simple paper gift bag or invest in artistic, eco-friendly designed giftwrap that’s too nice to use sticky tape on, let alone dispose of. Another option is to use a piece of vintage fabric. Then simply dress with colourful ribbon or string. It’s wrapping that keeps on giving.
Eco-friendly designed giftwrap paper by Emma Jennings.
6. Gift Experiences, Not Things
Speaking of gifts, it’s often an experience that is more enjoyable and memorable than a material object. Maybe arrange tickets to a performance, exhibition, outdoor cinema or hot springs. You could also pre-book something like a garden tour, tree surfing or rock climbing. Better yet, invite them over for a home-cooked meal, or take them out for a healthy, enjoyable, alfresco brunch.
If you are more inclined to buy tangible objects, think of those simple things the recipient wouldn’t buy for themselves; can be used mindfully and bring a sense of enjoyment. For instance, natural bath salts or soaks, sound vibration meditation CDs, a cotton sarong/throw, or beeswax or soy candles with a subtle, aromatic fragrance. Alternatively, handmake something scrumptious from scratch, like ambrosial bliss balls.
7. Support a Cause
Another option is to donate frequent flyer or loyalty program points on behalf of another to a charity that forms part of your rewards program. Alternatively, simply make a direct donation to an organisation of your or the recipient’s choosing, such as adopting an animal via animal welfare or wildlife conservation organisations, or sponsoring a child in need.
Something I like to do, especially for friends who have little ones, is buy compelling, colourful children’s books that donate a portion of their sales to designated organisations.
8. Regift
At Christmas, regift those new, unused or barely used (not food based) gifts to others, providing it’s not given to the same person who may have gifted it to you in the first instance. The idea is that it’s something they will appreciate and get more use from than you would have. Otherwise, donate those unsuitable gifts that are forming clutter or not going to be used to charities or Christmas fundraisers.
9. Handwrite Christmas Sentiments
In an era of email, SMS, e-cards and social media, nothing beats receiving a handwritten Christmas card. Yes, they are a little more time-consuming, but putting pen to paper allows for more beautiful and personalised sentiments to flow and be recorded in ink. It can be something simplistic and thoughtful. It’s a gesture that brings out the human side and shows that you care about the recipient. Most of all, it gives it genuine warmth.
How do you keep Christmas simple, mindful and enjoyable?
May you have a jolly, simplistic festive season filled with bliss. With love, Kristin x
By Kristin Lee
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