Letting Go of Seasonal Decorations | The Minimalists Ep. 423

[@TheMinimalists]

How do you handle seasonal decorations?

[@la_baby_khalil7703]

👏😊 I do not like celebrating more clutter hanging everywhere, Yuck. Like, Mr. T.K. Coleman, I do listen to Christmas Music all the time, I celebrate JESUS CHRIST too 👍🙏😇🙏, and The Queen of Christmas Ms. Mariah Carey 👏😘...I don't mind a little Clutter to My 👂👂's LOL!!! 😀😂😁...Also, I do not believe in 🎁 giving anymore...TOO MUCH UNNECESSARY GARBAGE/CONSUMERISM...NO THANKS!!! 👍👏😉

[@ginamarie5575]

I have a few special items for the season that I take out every year . I keep it pretty simple I think … don’t like to have alot or the look of clutter everywhere. Christmas has always been special for me since I was little so it’s very nostalgic putting up white lights, tree and little decor items . ❤

[@HananBenNafa]

I don't.. I have a few things I use everyday like my flower vase and candle holders.. i buy balloons and one decoration every year for my bday, that's it :)

[@WellEditedCo]

I’ve got our Christmas decor down to three places: a wreath on the front door, a small-ish tree with lights and our sentimental ornaments, and our stockings hanging on the stair railing. It fits in 2 bins and even that seems like too much to store 11 months a year, so I may minimize it more. But I consider this getting down to essentials as in the last few years I’ve given away so many sentimental items I never even put out.

[@arlenelicklider4643]

I really like to see my home decorated, but don't love doing it, so I keep it to a minimum. 😅

[@caliblue2]

After sixty years of puttin on Christmas I created a tall live plant topiary with white lights I keep year round. People ask “You got your tree up?” I flip the topiary switch on and smile “why yes I do” 😆 I love it

[@playsaboutmycat]

Love this idea!

[@lovemyfamily8807]

Have been thinking of doing this all season!

[@darnitthelma4247]

@@wintersolstice4793I have a neighbour who does with her tree outside it’s just magical BUT do way all get decorations fit into one medium box! No way!

[@laurieb2296]

I got rid of 75 percent of my Christmas decorations a month before Christmas.. felt so good.

[@Mindyhartwick]

I feel like I just don’t have the energy to drag out all the decorations and put them away anymore. My daughter is grown with two kids and is starting to host Christmas this year. I feel like I get enough enjoyment of Christmas decor in my office, in the stores and in other people’s homes. I also have a cat that gets into everything, so I just don’t bother putting up decorations anymore and I’m totally ok with that.

[@darnitthelma4247]

Same!

[@videohistorysnippets8963]

I had a day to myself this xmas, no family lunch or tea, I had a small breakfast and gave my sister an experience gift, she went off to join the family for the rest of the day and night (we share a house) I went for a walk, listened to my music doing some reading and caught up with some work etc around the house, it was my best Xmas ever, peace and quiet, no stress and unconcerned if any other members of my family were expecting me to be there, I'm over xmas and all the consumerism, Christmas carols, wrapping papers etc etc all for one day, its horrible..

[@joyhenson5832]

If anyone knew I was watching this they would howl with laughter. 24 bins of decor for all seasons and that’s after going through it. 😂

[@marram2852]

If it's stuff you use and like, I say more power to you! I have a hard time handling too much stuff, clutter or not. I reduced my Christmas decorations to 3 boxes and I still don't use it all! But it's hard to declutter...😊

[@darnitthelma4247]

Power to you. I get have a tidy neat home but these minimal homes are boooooring with no personality or comfort!

[@simplycj5460]

The traditions of my family have been handed down through many generations. The “decorations“ associated with those traditions serve as reminders of where we came from as a family and help to keep us rooted in our Faith. We’ve let go of most of the superficial “secular” holiday decorations, but will always keep our Advent Wreath, Nativity set, a few candles, and Christmas lights. We also decorate with greenery, pinecones, etc from the outdoors. It’s all very simple and very beautiful.

[@JT-gc9yx]

Wreaths are also from pagan origin.

[@simplycj5460]

@@JT-gc9yx If you look and try hard enough, you can pretty much decide that everything has pagan origins, if that’s the way you lean. Believe what you want, as will I.

[@RhymesWithSpark]

Decorating with natural objects that I’ve foraged or purchased, such as seasonal plants, can add a lot to the holidays. I made a wreath from pine branches from my yard and wrapped red ribbons around it. I put twinkle lights on my poinsettia plants. I put small wreaths and battery candle pillars all over my home. The glow, the music I play, and the feeling I create sent the tone. I still put up a tree and decorate it. It’s all about how you feel. If it FEELS like work, or it’s overwhelming to you, then it’s time to remove some tasks or décor that doesn’t work for you. Also, I love the studio and the snowing in the opening. Less is more! 😊

[@teamgert]

I’ve been selling my extras off on eBay all December. I do the same for other holidays in their month. Why? I became a nurse. Once I saw how lives are reduced to one room in a nursing home, it hit home. We can’t take it with us. There’s zero reason to be in debt. Get rid of it. Sell it. Even if a yard sale of everything 1/5.00…it’s time you don’t have to work to get out of debt. Memories not stuff!

[@RockchikPaula]

Great perspective!

[@melaniegodwin8791]

ABSOLUTELY TRUE

[@violet18]

I had a similar realization when I went to college. I had to limit my stuff to half a room and closet. When I graduated, I got rid of stuff I had stored in the garage at my hometown.

[@videohistorysnippets8963]

Agreed, I now only possess the things I require from day to day, a car, home, bed, phone, PC, and clothes and that's about it, I have no dust catchers, memorabilia, sentimental stuff at all, I can breathe now.

[@RockchikPaula]

Merry Christmas! Simple but perfect decor in the studio! My custom Tiny House On Wheels will be delivered soon. I’ve heard it’s 3(?) purges to get thru stuff. Like many of us, I have multiple collections. Shaking my head as I go thru and realize what a WASTE a lot of it is! We don’t want our parent’s collections, and our kids don’t want our’s. Seeing my huge log furniture on the back of a buyer’s trailer going down the road, gave me such happiness. I will never stub a toe on it ever again! 😂 Get rid of it while it’s still usable, or repurpose it if it brings you much joy. Have a very Merry & Blessed Christmas everyone!!

[@mainelyknit]

Bravo TK! I’m married to someone who likes to listen to Christmas music year round and likes his Christmas village out sitting on the shelf. Whatever brings us peace-

[@darnitthelma4247]

He has childhood issues 😂😂😂❤

[@thirdcoast-nx7jx]

I'm not sure I would enjoy and benefit from The Minimalists as much as I do if it were not for TK. He is a wonderful counter balance and voice of genuine reason to Joshua's sometimes higher plain non-judgments.

[@kamloopscruiser874]

For the first caller - she has broken with the bad parts of her past- she decluttered her past by celebrating order in her life and finances and being able to celebrate the seasons. Her seasonal decor has a deeper meaning- it’s a celebration of the life she built.

[@Cat-ik1wo]

Beautifully said. Season does teach us to roll with the flow. Dont cling too tightly, just enjoy it. And let go. Change is the only thing permanent.

[@juditharsenault2131]

I stopped putting up Christmas decorations a few years back. I did put a little nativity scene this year. No tree, no lights, no wreaths. I still have a small box of Christmas ornaments but they are ones with family memories. I'll probably get rid of them soon. I like living light.

[@janethunt4037]

Good point about finding your people wherever you land. When we moved to a small town and had a preschooler, I started getting together with another mom of preschoolers that I felt I had little in common with. We became close friends as time went on.

[@shirleyburnham2782]

Merry Christmas everyone xxx

[@stephanie8795]

I GUTTED my 2bdrm apartment last week of stuff and junk I DO NOT OR NO LONGER NEED/WANT! Took out 12 garbage bags! The chi flowing about now is amazing. Of the things I did keep, I will be going thru those again in the spring and keep dwindling down to where I want it. #georgecarlinstuff #dontneedit

[@rebeccahalpern5938]

I’ve noticed that people in the US decorate for different seasons far more than here in the UK. We have Christmas decorations and some people decorate for Halloween, but I haven’t seen any decorations for other seasons.

[@alanbirkner1958]

Hi. I keep a plastic shoebox (small container) of winter decorations. Another for spring, and one for fall (includes Halloween)..And 4th of July is red, white, and blue. People take photos of my decorations. I also enjoy seasonal costume jewelry. Set limits and stick to traditional colors: don't follow trends or brand names. Tina, Al's wife

[@justinelanderyou3794]

Love this video and applies to women as well. I haven't been able to find that special someone for years and attracted the wrong people, people who just fed my wounds and felt I didn't deserve and just settled or became avoidant of meeting new people. I know now that it was I was wounded, I needed to work on my childhood wounds. Now I have set the bar higher and don't settle. I am now filtering better when I meet someone and starting to attract better people for me. It is a new journey for me now and excited about what my dating future will bring ☺️

[@thecatniplife]

I went with one seasonal live plant and several white candles for the mantle this year. Also a wreath on the front door and a couple of holiday garden flags outside. We had an elder care crisis occur at the beginning of December so we cut to bare minimum for our holiday. I miss having some low key lights outside but this was all that I had energy for this year.

[@fromscratsch]

T.K. is so wise! You are simply the best.

[@BabbitGirl]

TK, I left my Christmas tree up for all of 2023. We had the Valentines’s Day tree, the family birthday tree, Easter tree, Anniversary tree. And when the Collingwood football team won the Grand Final my husband and son celebrated with a Premiership tree! We’re considering leaving the tree up again in 2024.

[@heidimeigs5192]

When my oldest son left for college yrs ago, and never moved back home, his bedroom became a closet….mostly Christmas and seasonal decorations. When I downsized to an apartment I got rid of a lot. This year, before the Christmas holiday started, I thinned stuff out again. Now I only have Christmas decor…no other season/holiday items. And it all fits into the hall coat closet with room for coats! I no longer use Santa, snowmen, toys, etc to decorate. A tabletop tree, greenery, lots of candles, and some children’s Christmas books. I’m old now, my life has changed. There’s no unwritten law that you have to keep dragging the past out every year.

[@jillapalooza]

I bought a black Christmas tree for Halloween a few years ago. Halloween is my favorite holiday and the only time I put out decorative trinkets. I put it up in October for Halloween and redecorate it in November for Christmas. For me, it's worth putting it up, taking it down, and storing it if I can use it for 3 months of the year. Plus, it's unique, and I get joy out of people's reactions to it.

[@extrememinimalism]

Straight after Christmas or just before Christmas, is the best time to declutter Christmas.

[@AkS143joyful]

So cool TK you said this! Because I said that to my husband that some people decorate all year and that is cool

[@duster497]

No decorations this year, just use all of the smart bulbs inside and out to do seasonal colors. Easy.

[@HananBenNafa]

I love T.K.'S outfit 🥰 Happy holiday guys, love you

[@juliebutler8241]

I got a plug and play foot and half decorated tree, a couch pillow and kitchen towel. Budda bing!

[@annsalty5615]

I already weeded out half of our Christmas decorations, and now contemplating taking more out to donate. There are only a few things that really make it feel festive that we need, and the rest is just visual clutter.

[@pia9343]

Merry Christmas!

[@RadCenter]

Regarding the year-round holiday tree: It's a dust-catcher. Think of the amount of dust that accumulates in the average living room in a year (multiply it if you have pets). That dust falls on the tree, as well. It's why you will often find spiders nesting there. They are feeding on the dust mites! The person who will end up vacuuming in and around the tree should have the last word on whether it stays up all year. This is one reason I prefer live Christmas trees. I can just compost them at the end of the season.

[@violet18]

Very true. I share the same mentality when it comes to dusting. My mother would put up decor on the walls, but she would never dust and it made the house look gross and neglected. Now, I don't like to keep a lot on surfaces. I prefer putting it inside a drawer. It's less work for me.

[@judygilbert9628]

We put up a ceramic tree and my Nativity set. Takes 30 minuets or less from attic to finish. Same for putting it all away. We do not buy presents no kids in our house. . I get more joy and satisfaction in my Christmas for less than I ever got with all the years I did what society expected to celebrate Christmas. I have an elderly mother who does see things the way I donhelp her decorating and shopping . I love my Mom and I am happy to help her but I find doing all the things that society expects and all her spending on gifts for three sake of giving gift very stressful. . At least I can go home and be back in my peaceful minimal existence.

[@bookmagicroe9553]

If Jen has a need for beauty after living under desperate circumstances, then she should decorate. But there is a limit: are the decorations taking over the whole living area where you can't even move? Are the decorations costing you more than you can afford? Is the idea of decorating causing stress?

[@pnwflipper2089]

And are you wasting resources that could be otherwise allocated for a better/higher purpose

[@LP-tu8li]

Good point on the “ambassador”, TK.

[@RJ-ek7ov]

TK I play select Holiday songs randomly throughout the year as well.

[@juliebutler8241]

On my deck here in SE Cali, I have several fake pine trees for privacy and a woodsy look. On Christmas I just flick the lights on. Keeping them year around is totally acceptable!

[@laurieb2296]

I left my little tree up all year and decorated for each holiday.

[@razsbags]

I only hung up two red feather boas tied together across the window. Over it is Christmas cards. That’s all. The feather boas can be used as scarves when it’s not Christmas. Decorations can be made from junk mail & recycled later. Plants are great decorations. A real pot plant can be decorated & later planted.

[@razsbags]

Christmas tea towels can be used year round.

[@amonralice2]

Merry Christmas, guys. 🎄🎅🏻 I love those hanging presents. That's *definitely* not clutter. 😉

[@saracaldwell1738]

I don't care for seasonal decorations. Right now we have a tree and stockings and lights it's just too much. The lights and nativity are plenty for me.

[@teamgert]

Now if there was an answer for photos. Digital sucks. They don’t get looked at. Photo albums-clutter

[@katherinehilloppel2756]

Same problem. I ended up taking my favorite photos and putting them into a thin shutterfly album. Takes up a few inches rather than shelves and shelves.

[@ShortStef]

Ooo- TK - that’s actually a Bible Principle. Matthew 10:13 I think. And I’m not an overly religious person- but I do believe the Bible set an excellent tone of order- it’s just hard for people to comprehend and apply to today. Jesus was sent to spread the Word. When it wasn’t received- he would lay the Bible at their feet, shake the dust, and walk away! As Jay-Z would say - “Go-on and dust your shoulders off”. 😂 It’s such a powerful lesson. Speak your piece and let it be. You can’t change anyone. But you being set, stern, and LIG (Let It Go)- creates an inviting respect and leaves the ball in their court for someone to reach out to learn more if they want. It also shows strength and power in what you believe. And when people can spin a situation to learn b/c it is on their terms and they create a space where this was “their idea” , they become more receptive and then- that’s when it really sticks! Whew!!!

[@karencarraro3911]

Get natural decor that can be disintegrate back to the earth. Have one drawer or box for lights etc.

[@heidimartin6711]

Merry Christmas you ALL ❤ eye opening episode. We have our work cut out for us next weekend

[@carlo6912]

I am a minimalist but am married to someone that is not. I wish I could get my wife to watch this.

[@J.M.-nb4gw]

I'm quite fortunate to be married to a woman who is even more minimalist than me, we do NOT have piles of crap around the house or stored in the garage or attic 😁

[@Kookka_]

If you get rid of your wife you'll have one less thing😂 Kidding

[@bookmagicroe9553]

My husband is a 'collector'. It's making me stressed out.

[@rosamariaortizpino1238]

What upsets me the most is all the trees that are cut down at Christmas time and then dumped when the season ends. It is ridiculous

[@bumblebee_ms]

T.K, I love your vest. Did you make it???

[@broomhag]

Gosh, I LOVE TK!

[@arlenelicklider4643]

Sadly, there are content creators that say just set your mind on it and declutter or ' once you understand the benefits you will be able to throw things out' .

[@susanb2171]

Every time I try to Declutter and downsize or get rid of something, my mother lays on heavy guilt and says you are going to be sorry one day that you did that

[@susanb2171]

@@J.M.-nb4gw Maybe. She is 84 and lives with me. But thanks for your input

[@violet18]

I think she's projecting how she feels about her belongings. When I was a teen, I wanted to throw away a bunch of home videos that were on VHS tapes. My mom kept them stored in my closet and I noticed that years went by and nobody touched them. She took them from me and put them in the hallway closet where they sat for years. It's one of the reasons why I never liked how she kept the house.

[@susanb2171]

@@violet18 Yes, that’s probably true. It can be truly frustrating. Different styles for sure.

[@Minimilly263]

I have trouble with Christmas / Halloween mugs and mugs in general I need to get rid of

[@Gigi30107]

Heart breaking.

[@melaniegodwin8791]

What part of this is Heart breaking??? Has anyone died? Has anyone lost a loved one? Has anyone been diagnosed with a terminal disease?

[@GG-kv8vv]

Uh ohhh, lol, this one is for me.

[@HelenPratt-xp9vb]

Freedom of speech is important, but always credit. Everyone has a different view, but ideas are important to the owner. But like theoretical and unproven Everyone has a right to debate as long as process properly 😊

[@HelenPratt-xp9vb]

Debate is not a battle like that debater guy but a view point of freedom

[@HelenPratt-xp9vb]

As long credit creativity properly like the call game but done right

[@davewhite756]

5:10 I was talking about doing this at my barber shop

[@hollyharrison7057]

Come to Canada!

[@bekijker09326]

Totally agree, a lot of unnessary thinking about thinks wich can lead to stress, can cause a lot of mental disorders. You are basicaly tiring out your mental battery.

[@jillbooth2829]

I need help with all the photos on my phone. Over 15k photos of my four kids. TK help me! How do I tackle this? 😅

[@darnitthelma4247]

I am same and am procrastinating but did start as follows… Set up file for each year and/or event Delete rubbish ones & back up I have now set a little money aside and print using free apps (for example 50 free each month) to keep on top for 2024 BUT I will print and use as project to put in photo frames, albums, boxes I love photos I love the memories I love to see how we have evolved and our children will inherit these❤❤❤

[@anttoronto3202]

Don’t have any. Just a small box of cards for monetary gifts.

[@janetbaker8312]

Did Ryan leave the show

[@Kookka_]

Ya, he moved away. It's not as good without Ryan. Maybe he'll come back but for now I hope he's living his best life.

[@TheAboriginal1]

Can anyone help me understand how level 1 hoarding is a "disorder" when it describes 90% of the population? Sounds like "level 1 hoarding" is just being "messy" - which isn't a disorder. It does a disservice to the actual hoarding disorder.

[@shawnschoeny8797]

I miss Ryan

[@monicaolsson7608]

It's a bit weird with the person in the background that you never see. Why isn't she on camera?

[@LP-tu8li]

Yeah don’t think she’s necessary. But Josh seems to love her voice

[@RadCenter]

Her name is Mallory French (aka Malabama), and she is the director of operations for The Minimalists.

[@mschlund1]

Get rid of all that tacky crap....

[@sorinjasoncnd5560]

That fake laugh in the background is so annoying. Plz let her go

[@SS-wm5kb]

I love your work, but I can only handle so much, as your political leanings always come through.