6 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Like a Minimalist

Minimalist living has changed the way our family celebrates the holidays—drastically.

December used to usher in a season of frenetic spending, uncontrolled amassing (think piles of new stuff), and commitment-induced overwhelm.

The “most wonderful time of year” became one, that, if given a choice, I'd have happily elected to hibernate through. Opting out of the season completely held more appeal than finishing the year in a frenzy.

Fast forward to today, five years into minimalist living, and the holidays have regained their wonder. Why?

Because living intentionally with less stuff has shown me I don't have to live—or celebrate the holidays—like everyone else.

Minimalist living has shown me a happy holiday doesn't have to include filling my home with new stuff or stocking my calendar full of seasonal commitments. It doesn't have to involve out-doing the neighbors in holiday decor and cookie platters; it doesn't have to mean catching every lights display and holiday activity in FOMO-like fashion.

In short, minimalist living has been my exit ramp from culturally prescribed holiday expectations.

Now, living as a minimalist hasn't made me anti-spending, anti-tradition, or Scrooge-like.

But it has freed me to shift my focus from what everyone else told me “should” matter during the holidays, to what I believed actually did.

And our holidays have become a whole lot more memorable and meaningful for it.

I think celebrating the holidays like a minimalist could do the same for you.

Here are 6 ways to celebrate the holidays like a minimalist:

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Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia also practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home. She resides with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, three-year-old son, and baby girl. You can also find her on Instagram.