A Minimalist's Guide to Enjoy the Holidays

[@Jessicab-u7c]

Shopping over the whole year is also a great way to take the financial pressure off at Christmas time

[@rachaelnuchols764]

@@Jessicab-u7c that's what I do❤

[@HaleyVillena]

That’s a good idea! ☺️ Thanks for sharing.

[@brigittamrs3805]

@@Jessicab-u7c I recently came across a lady online who has a birthday drawer and a Christmas drawer. Whenever she sees a good deal during the year she'd buy and keep the items in the drawer unit the occasion.

[@lsnider59]

typically I only choose to put out, the light up church from childhood, my 2 great grandfathers Bible open to Luke, and the nativity from the dime store [grandmothers]. Dad is 94 and when cleaning his living room, he spends all the time in, I started seeing green and red dishes, candles etc, so just moved them to the living room and took out all of the regular knick knacks. I have added my Christmas Cactus and amaryllis as they bloom. He noticed and liked it, said it looked better than with all the normal holiday items! Still remember Linus telling us in 1965 about the commercialism and it is worse now

[@HaleyVillena]

It sounds like you’ve found a beautiful way to personalize the holidays for your family! 💕

[@rebeccabaron1348]

I have spent a life time (61 years to be exact) as a clutter bug. Overly decorated home was the way to go…. So I thought based on what everyone else was doing. Christmas was ANXIOUS! I decorate for all the seasons now joyfully with nature. It brings such a beautiful energy of life into my home AND I don’t have to buy a bin to store it in. Fall was a dream with leaves and pumpkins. I’m now in the hunt for beautiful things in nature to welcome into my home. Stark branches and pine boughs and pinecones. I go for lovely “cold” walks during my hunt and it is a win, win. Happy holidays!!

[@HaleyVillena]

Hi Rebecca! I love that you've incorporated natural elements into your decorating. It sounds so peaceful and beautiful. Happy holidays to you too! 🎄

[@Jessicab-u7c]

We reuse old gift bags that we received and use cloth bags and ribbon.

[@emiherd1327]

I grew up in a home where we did not celebrate Christmas At All! Once I grew up and had my own home i wanted to do things completely different than my parents only to find out that life is better without all the craziness of the holidays and I’m now a simple but meaningful mom of almost 4 beautiful children, So all that to say my parents were right 🤭

[@HaleyVillena]

Hi Emi - thank you for sharing your story! Simple often is the best route to take. Kudos to you for fostering meaningful connections in your family ❤️ sending you all my love!

[@portiadane6020]

Love the 'spending pause' and 'set time limits' for functions.🙏

[@HaleyVillena]

Glad to hear you got something out of this! ❤️

[@TheClutterLady]

Yes, love this so much! Asking people I wanted to give a gift what they want has been such a game-changer! Some say they want a surprise from me, but others told me gifts they never have enough of...so I've actually been able to buy them for birthdays and multiple Christmases/Mother's Day without having to ask again. And it's fun knowing they like it and hearing how they've used it throughout the year. It was also fun asking...I felt like I got to know my favorite people more. I just said, "Hey I'm trying this new thing this year where I'm asking people what they want for Christmas. Do you have anything on your wishlist?" 💖 So easy! I only had about 5 people I did this with, though. Really brought the joy back and reduced the stress. Some of them I asked for an update especially if they had a big life change (move to smaller house, having a baby...or if they just couldn't think of anything the previous year) and some of them did change while others stayed the same. 😊

[@HaleyVillena]

Hi there! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with intentional gift giving! It’s really refreshing to hear about the success you’ve had from having these conversations 🥰

[@arlenyspalmero7309]

This is a very complete video. It convers most of the things regarding holidays. Thanks Hailey Love your content. Greetings from Cuba

[@HaleyVillena]

It’s wonderful to hear from Cuba! I appreciate your kind feedback. Thanks for watching. 💕

[@rachaelnuchols764]

Great video ❤. Merry Christmas ❤

[@HaleyVillena]

I’m pleased that you enjoyed it. Merry Christmas to you as well! 🎄

[@indiagxoxo493]

Also wait for xmas sales after Xmas for decor😂 or thirft and make sure is something you will reuse for years to come❤

[@HaleyVillena]

I agree! Let’s be intentional with our festive decorating 🥰

[@essieg112]

This is such a refreshing video, I love everything you covered and all the tips!

[@HaleyVillena]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! 💖 cheers!

[@ryderyp]

I enjoy your videos - very calming. Thank you 😊

[@HaleyVillena]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 😊

[@francarroll310]

I begin shopping in July-1 gift per week and then by Thanksgiving it’s done!

[@HaleyVillena]

That’s a very intentional way to approach the holidays! Sounds like you’ve got a lot of gifts to give 🤭

[@nov7955]

I love your Video❤❤ thank your

[@HaleyVillena]

Happy Holidays! ❤️

[@ranjanraj6911]

Happy Holidays!! ✨✨

[@HaleyVillena]

Happy Holidays to you too! ✨

[@brigittamrs3805]

My ex bf never understood this. He wanted to give me gifts for my birthday or Christmas and I told him I can give a list of 5 gift options that I need/want that he could choose from and any of them would make me happy. He wasn't on board saying it won't be a surprise. So he went ahead and bought a watch that I definitely not needed (ended up donating after we split) plus he didn't even remember the watch a year later. I asked him to come and see a show with me in the theatre as a gift, that never happened either.

[@HaleyVillena]

Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience on this topic, I think it really sheds light on how wasteful less intentional gift giving can become. I’m sorry that you were never heard when you communicated your thoughts to this person! I hope you have a lovely holiday season 💞

[@wtfimj]

A minimalist approche would be not to buy, if you buy and throw away what doesn’t bring you joy, you still harming the enviroment! 😳

[@HaleyVillena]

Thank you for your comment! You’re right that mindful consumption is important, and I agree that we need to be aware of our environmental impact. For me, minimalism isn’t about never buying anything, but rather about being intentional with what we bring into our lives-choosing things that add true value or joy. The same goes for giving to other people in our lives. When it comes to items that no longer serve us, I believe in giving them a second life, whether that’s donating to charity or passing them on to someone who will appreciate them, rather than discarding them or as you mentioned “throwing them away”. The goal is to reduce excess, make thoughtful choices, and focus on experiences that create lasting memories.