with Krista Ehret

Embracing the season’s true spirit is a blessing. The stuff is awesome. I’m not opposed to the stuff. But I am no longer succumbing to the stress associated with stuff. Delivery dates, cargo in limbo, inflated prices, the fifteen magazines that we’ve received from retailers simply for my daughters to fawn over pages after pages of toys. 

My mom-goal this season is to bask in the glow that is the magic and joy that radiates out of Lyla as she spots new inflatables on our drive to dance and watch Rose truly take in.

We all have the images from Black Friday gone wrong ingrained in our brains. The mobs of desperate shoppers pushing and shoving their way to snag the last of the great deal item while onlooking store clerks wish they could be home with their families. Gift-giving is a fun and well-intended part of the holiday season but has unfortunately evolved into a greed-driven scheme of the marketing world. It arguably is also one of the biggest stress inducers as we circle the mall parking lot and break our budget to find just the right item. 

Online shopping has definitely made crowds no longer an issue. But what about the glorification of “stuff” that comes with this pricey territory? Do we really need all of the “stuff” to have a fun holiday? It’s not that we care as adults about lots of gifts, but we want the kids to be happy. So, the question arises, how do we not deprive our children of a fun Christmas morning but keep the complete obsession with material goods at bay? 

I believe that a balance can be found between the “stuff” and creating experiences. If you think about your childhood and your favorite Christmas memories, you may remember one or two gifts that were really coveted and exciting. The rest of the good times were likely traditions and fun things that you did with your family. Baking, caroling, watching your favorite holiday movies, decorating the tree, etc. These are the moments we wish we could relive with our loved ones. 

However, in the moment, you can’t very well explain to a five-year-old that these memories are so much better than that silly old dollhouse she wanted and didn’t get. Still, the precedent of how we will do Christmas starts early. I know some parents who limit the number of gifts and tell their children to list three things that they really want, and that’s what they get. Good in theory. The problem arises when the kid is sixteen, and their shortlist includes a convertible and new Prada bag. 

I know other parents who do a few gifts but then ask family and friends to please abstain from sending additional items. Another one that’s good in theory, but I’m not going toe to toe with my mom and her fun to shop for her only grand-babies. Others go on trips versus buying gifts. I love this idea as you are definitely creating memories for the family, but I am nostalgic and still get giddy waking up Christmas morning to gifts under a tree. So, unfortunately, we’re back to phase one with no universal solution.

Everyone has to find a system that works for them. Personally, I shop early and mostly online. I create a budget and do not allow myself to go over it. Items are not put on credit cards because that makes overspending way too easy. I believe in quality over quantity, especially for the adults you shop for. Baked goods are the only gifts given to friends and extended family, and I stick to the same simple recipes. As new items come in, old items go out. Charity is essential and will continue to be a staple, especially as I teach my daughter the true meaning of giving. Experiences such as zoo memberships and tickets to sporting events, concerts, or plays always make great gifts and give the recipients something to look forward to.

Living intentionally and being present is so important this time of year. Create a game plan but give yourself some grace to avoid unnecessary stress. Recognize when you are being pulled into a marketing scheme and remember that more is not always necessary to make your loved ones happy. Your time is more valuable than anything tangible, and adults and children alike can recognize when you are genuinely engaged and at the moment. My closing tip: focus on creating those memories and leave all of the other “stuff” behind.

Krista Ehret

peonypincher.com

From intimate dinner parties to huge annual events, Krista believes we can always find an excuse to celebrate.
With a background in interior and event design, she loves bringing people together in a beautiful and welcoming environment.