Holiday Anxiety | The Minimalists Ep. 471

[@HennaHuu]

I'm on a very low income due to disabilities so there are always things I need and don't have money to buy so I often ask those as presents. Most of the time I ask food for my dog companion as due to her allergies her food costs a lot every month. I make things for people as presents: some knits for knit worthy people, herbal tea and spice blends from foraged herbs and cleaning products.

[@KateAydin-q7p]

For a present to my husband for Christmas I’m clearing out our garage (decluttering and cleaning). I know he’d really appreciate a clear garage. I’m checking what he wants/doesn’t want to keep, so there are no nasty surprises! I know he’ll feel lighter and more relaxed when it’s done.

[@heidibonjour]

Consumables!!!!! Love to give and receive consumables!

[@danaparsons1700]

My MIL, daughter, and grandson live with my husband and me. We wouldn't decorate or "celebrate" these holidays if not for them. We feel compelled to "do it up" bcz they like it. It's stressful on every holiday when they ask, "What are we doing?"

[@NamelessSaint-w6v]

Hello everybody... from the Philippines

[@heidimartin6711]

Yesss!!!! Give the gift of experiences or a nice meal with memorable conversation

[@LP-tu8li]

I find that holiday anxiety comes more from family drama and problems than from the obligation to shop.

[@barbara31655]

OMG I absolutely feel like I just need to get through the holiday season. I always host for Thanksgiving. I host (for my husband & family) for either Xmas Eve or Xmas Day (depending on the year) and, being Jewish, I also host a Hanukkah dinner for myself to be with my children & grandchildren. Don't get me wrong, I do love having everyone at my home, feeding them special foods and just being with them, but the work involved in all that planning, cooking and cleaning is a lot. I'm 69 years old and while I'm still pretty agile for my age, it's definitely not as easy as it once was. Nor do I want to sound like I'm complaining because I "really do" love having everyone at my home just being together. However with the conclusion of each holiday event I can't help but think I made it through another occasion and only however many left to go.

[@henlohenlo689]

for me its mostly the weather. my job has me travel 48 states. not looking forward to another snowy icy 3 or 4 months. i live in so cal so its a good time to quit and get local job for me atleast.

[@lexsaechao2547]

Yes. Anything edible. I won't say no to free food. If I can't eat it, I can give the food away to someone who loves it. You can't go wrong with food. 😊

[@alexsandereastmond7036]

love people use things the opposite never works

[@normabarros3124]

This has been helpful. I like getting and giving a gas card or a grocery store gift card for 10 or 20 dollars it dependson my budget. I don't mind getting a 5 dollar gift card. I also like to make something krafty. My family can give me love not chaos. I can give my daughter me not getting into her business. I will back off 😊

[@Babee-tt6hr]

I am focusing on what I need to get rid of whatever it is that in my bedroom. Sometimes my peace is disturbed. Many times, I feel like I have to get rid of something that is in my bedroom, but can't figure what it is. I pray and I get my peace from my Lord. Yet, I can't pin point what I am uncomfortable with in my bedroom. Okay, enough repeating myself...any suggestions.

[@RKCALGARY]

I think she is self focused without empathizing how her family feels. Their daughter and grandchildren finally moved close to them. Many people take joy in giving and gifting. Her parents are probably excited to play Santa to the grandkids. I would never be abrupt and say “I’m a minimalist, I don’t want stuff, don’t get my kids stuff!” I would ask that they limit it to one or two high quality educational toys for the kids. Ask for a gift card for herself. Asking the grandparents to show up empty handed at Christmas will hurt them. They want to give a gift. Many people take joy in giving. She can just take the 2 toys and donate them to the needy if she must, but don’t be a tight ass minimalist scrooge.

[@candymay75]

❤

[@lindaw140]

You will be fine without every little thing. It gets in the way.

[@Vegan-6919]

👍

[@Vegan-6919]

🤍

[@KateAydin-q7p]

For a present to my husband for Christmas I’m clearing out our garage (decluttering and cleaning). I know he’d really appreciate a clear garage. I’m checking what he wants/doesn’t want to keep, so there are no nasty surprises! I know he’ll feel lighter and more relaxed when it’s done.