Our Minimalist Christmas (What we're getting the kids & others!)

[@cobysmith3179]

Older parents/grandparents are the hardest to get gifts for in my experience. My grandma is 99 and still sharp as a tack, but at 99 she doesn’t need anything. This year I got 12 Christmas cards and in each one I put a picture of my family from the course of the past year and I wrote either a story from my childhood that I remember spending time with her or a story from my life or about the picture with that particular card. I started sending them in the mail at the beginning of December and sent the last one yesterday. Kinda like the 12 days of Christmas. She has loved them so much so far! She is in an assisted living facility and they are locked in their rooms due to covid cases there, so getting mail is her favorite thing right now.

[@cathy8086]

What a brilliant idea! I'm sure she really loves those & probably looks at them a lot!!

[@gwenj5419]

My 98 year old mother lives with me. The best gifts are phone calls, cards, flowers and edibles (check what they can eat.) Living plants and knick knacks just create problems of where to put them. PJ's are always good.

[@tracym6784]

Such a great idea! My mom would love it, I’m doing this next year. Thanks for sharing

[@linmurray436]

I'm not 99 but I am an old grandma and two of my favorite gifts have been wireless noise canceling headphones, if you have others in your household it allows me to listen to my movies and music and I don't have to listen to video gaming and news on the TV. My other favorite is the little slip on gripper socks for in the house. They are not bulky like slippers or shoes and allow me to be more nimble around the house.

[@theadley774]

This idea is so wonderful!

[@JennyT101]

Don't let anyone make you feel bad or lecture you about how you give gifts to your kids. THINGS do not make children happy. Or anyone else for that matter. Merry Christmas!

[@jesussaves7973]

Amen sister!!

[@nanwilder2853]

Jenny Jen 1010: YOU seem to be the one lecturing...To insist that Christmas gifts don’t make kids happy, and implying that “anyone” who does love gifts is somehow wrong, is the Grinch on steroids! Who made you the moral arbiter of the world? Most of us-of all ages-love to give as much as receive; and Christmas, in part, IS about the joy that comes from BOTH. Stop being a kill-joy, please.

[@electricbop]

Actually kids love gifts, weren’t you ever a kid?

[@PhiferCooksJR1]

We actually get our kids one family gift and one or two other ones. We have a host of aunts, uncles, grandmas who love to give gifts so if we got alot of gifts too it would be overwhelming. It works great for us and the kids feel very happy and loved and really thats all that matters ❤ 😊

[@ChickPeaChannel]

I was going to say the same thing. So many presents end up in the bin. She said that many gifts come from other friends and family so what's the issue.

[@CristelAcoyong]

I just want to say, I'm in my mid 20s not married and not a parent, but I thoroughly enjoy your content and delivery (even parenting videos). I came across your videos a few months back when I decided to put on decluttering videos while sorting my stuff. Simplifying my life allowed me to change my relationship with material things and my faith and that has been the best takeaway from any other channel here on yt.

[@amandagarcia6320]

Right? I am so ADDICTED to this woman and her Channel! Minimalist lifestyle has changed my whole life for the better!

[@CristelAcoyong]

@@amandagarcia6320 absolutely!

[@designdoctor247]

Best comment ever!!! 😃

[@kirabornemann6972]

Same!!!! I am also obsessed, she is the best!! Came to her videos for the decluttering aspect and I’m not a parent but enjoy her parenting videos just the same

[@turisteandoentexas]

Totally, I was kind of skeptical to tell people my minimalist ideas or what I do to save, until I came across this channel and she made me feel great about saving and what's important about saving!!!

[@leahrenea2709]

When I first got married my mother in law got me a calendar and in it she wrote down all the birthday/anniversary and other important dates and I honestly thought it was an amazing gift.

[@Petra_T_J]

Dear Dawn, seen through my Finnish eyes, what you do is perfectly normal! When we got our first child for 15 years ago it didn't even occur to us to give more than a one Christmas present for him. And so we have done all these years with both of our children. It is quite a normal thing to do in Finland, that is they way I grew up. Still they have got almost too many gifts from all the extended family and friends. Only this Christmas and last year we also wrapped in some chocolate, socks and other practical things they needed anyway, so that they would have a couple of presents to open since we are not able to celebrate with our extended family and there will be less presents to open. They always tell us a couple of wishes they have, we choose one of them and normally it has been the most important gift (something like a specific Lego set, as with your sons). And the other presents have not meant so much for them anyway. They know they will get one thing they have wished for and are content and happy with that. This year both of their grandmothers have mailed them some small presents from Finland (we live in Sweden at the moment): knitted socks, delicious Finnish chocolate and a planner/calendar for next year. I am quite sure that the contentment with less, setting lower expectations when it comes to owning material things, is one of the main reasons why Finns have ranked so high in the World's happiness report. Many of us may have tough times but we often still think that life is quite good anyway, it could have been worse, there is no reason to complain. Something along those lines. Not everybody of course. But it is a common way to see life. Thank you for your great channel! This message is so important! And you really spread joy and happiness! :) My husband and I often love to see and HEAR you and Diana laugh together :) It is contagious and makes us laugh too. Many times when we're tired you have really lifted up our spirits with that genuine joy! God bless you and your loved ones abundantly!

[@ivanajukicgloban6627]

Exectly on point!Also from Europe and totaly agree😊💝

[@63Freja]

Totally agree. Samaa mieltä!😊

[@barbarawinters646]

Idea for teens that are driving or about to drive. A cool key chain, get them gift cards from their favorite fast food stops (or gas station) (5 or 6 of them) for $5-10 each-based on you budget. Punch a hole in the cards and put them on the key chain. It's a cool, useful gift and they won't forget they have them if they are displayed on keychain. This works for college people too and soccer moms!

[@emilymiller2986]

Barbara, thanks for this great idea! Great for college kids, too!

[@GR-bo5zt]

I love it!! I know my teen boys would! 🎁

[@lyndaweister9984]

Fab Idea 4 Gift that they can use anytime of year!🎅🎄🎁🙏

[@MaryK-iw9xo]

Love this idea!

[@donnaw1835]

Yes! I always gave my teenagers gas cards and cards to their favorite fast food places in their stockings. Now that they are adults I give high end supermarket (like Whole Foods) gift cards. Markets that they love but rarely shop at due to the expense.

[@gdan9923]

Your kids with their gingerbread houses were so cute. That made me smile. You’re a great example for mothers.

[@elizabethsydnor8953]

For anyone who criticizes you for the way you give gifts to your children, please ignore them and stand firm on your parenting skills. You rock! Don't change to please people...

[@blancacampos4291]

Q

[@dianedennert8718]

I love that you made sure Adeline was okay with you talking about this situation before you shared it with us! That was so respectful and is just one example of what a great mom you are! Also, the idea of having those family nights is definitely NOT cheesy. And so awesome in how Adeline affirmed that for you when she told you how much she values time with your family. Blessings to you & your precious family!!!

[@slscamg]

I love this so much. So often I see social media posts with gift piled halfway up the tree and spread all over the living room. Just so much junk and kids who come to expect piles of toys all the time. Not to mention the debt people go into shopping for junk. I can’t tell you gifts I got for Christmas but I can recall the memories made.

[@cobysmith3179]

I agree!! I can’t remember a single gift from my childhood. (I had 0% in the gift love language when I took the quiz though!). I remember baking with my family and spending the time together though.

[@slscamg]

@@cobysmith3179 I think the only gift I remember is when Santa brought me my Lionel train set. But only because it took “Santa“ three years to save up enough money to get it for me.

[@keyisme1356]

I get on this same rant... Turns out my dad thinks the word "junk" is akin to cussing (which he is also very against), so I keep offending him by calling all the clutter and non-essentials, "junk". 🤷 It's still junk though. He just sees it as treasures.

[@TermiteVideo]

You are so right. I also worry that particularly kids gifts seem to be 90% plastic. I know kids don’t want stuff made of jute and dried corn but we do need to cut down!

[@denisereneec]

I don't think there is anything wrong with the way you are doing things with your family. Our society has become soooo materialistic and our lives revolve around THINGS!. Relationships have gotten lost or destroyed over materialism. Keep doing what you are doing. You and your kids are richly blessed!

[@karifobar5687]

My kids are all teenagers or grown now. By far there best memory of Christmas was the year we had no money at all so I made them back packs and went to the dollar store and filled it with exploring stuff. They were little and loved it because they loved exploring. They don't remember the big years that we gave them expensive gifts, they remember the year we had no money and I made them something that they loved to do.

[@ivanajukicgloban6627]

Creativity is the best!It creates best gifts and experiences!

[@traceyshoun1005]

Single 65 year old with no kids. Have plenty of great nieces and nephews but very leary about getting out. Spent Thanksgiving alone and will probably spend Christmas alone. But I am blessed to have a roof over my head and food on my table and birds around my bird feeders😁. Hope you have a blessed Christmas. Love your simple, minimal lifestyle.

[@amandagarcia6320]

Tracey? I spend all my holidays alone as well (SINGLE W/NO KIDS) It has many benefits. I live in a retirement community so I like to bake cookies and holiday breads & visit each and every "housebound" senior that I can. Now that I am a minimalist? I don't spend all my time CLEANING, storing, organizing and re-organizing stuff! which has opened a whole new world of opportunities for me. Happy Holidays!

[@kristaosendorf4071]

My boys are 22, 20, and 17 and they all getting Legos for Christmas! They are a must. Merry Christmas!!!

[@salliestephens1252]

My son is 23 and I still get him Legos for Christmas. It's a tradition!

[@rachaellefevre1957]

My boys too 24-21-16 !

[@suzanneroelofse5970]

My partner is 37 and I get him a tiny lego toy as a stocking stuffer most years. Lol, boys love their lego.

[@Petra_T_J]

So fun to hear! :) My 15 year old loves Lego, and I was wondering if anyone else at his age plays with Lego anymore... apparently they do! :)

[@laimasher8915]

My son, now 16, was never crazy or played with Lego's, neither my daughter likes them so I don't understand all the crazyness about Lego. But my son was extremely happy with the led lights for his room 😊

[@elizabethsydnor8953]

Omg! You have 4 precious kids, a gorgeous, faithful husband, your parents are still alive and engaged, your twin sister loves you too? And you're saved, loved by Jesus Christ! You have it all!

[@JJ-ch3bj]

Girls just went down for a nap, and I thought, I will see if there is some Minimal Mom to watch for a little coffee break! Perfect timing! You are so encouraging and inspirational! Instead of my old normal drowning feeling this time of day, I did a quick tidy of my home and now feel free to take a few minutes to myself! Have a blessed Christmas!! ❤️

[@homeworkandheartwork1724]

That’s how I feel! Her videos are always encouraging!

[@kelseyd4196]

You GO girl! You earned it! 👏😁

[@footballlover9207]

I feel the same way. I'm stressed paralyzed (if you've seen the Christian movie "Mom's Night Out" you'll kow what I mean lol) Gonna go clean my room up a bit now.

[@jakobbourne6381]

*personalised childrens books* make for nice gifts regardless if book lover or not to children - you'd expose them to literature and learning at a growing age, better than most toys and gadgets

[@briarmunro]

Along the lines of the calendar idea, one year I had all the kids to my house and we did a photo shoot of 12 themed pictures and I had calendars printed for their parents and the grandparents ($10 each) and we had so much fun. Plus the parents got a day off as I had their kiddos! P.S I'm their aunt lol

[@sj6728]

I would love a calendar with everyone's birthday in it. I have mentioned that to so many people so many times and no one has done it. I think beginning January I will call or text everyone and ask for each family members Birthday. I enjoy remembering and celebrating Birthdays.

[@lyndaweister9984]

Great Gift!!😇🙏

[@marcidevries5515]

My husband and my dad each get a calendar with pictures of the kids each year :)

[@sbellalopez9284]

May the Lord walk through everyone's home this Christmas, thanks for the extra tips, your children are very fortunate to have such awesome parents!

[@marilynb8136]

Christmas should be all about the reason for the season, not about tons of gifts or spending be money!! I was a single parent with very little money. I made a lot of gifts for my kids...lots of doll clothes and craft items. One special book for each and we spent hours reading together!!! My kids never did without. Most of all, they just wanted me to spend time with them. Merry Christmas to you!!!

[@donbrown1532]

Oh my gosh your message teared me up im a grown man .Good on you mom.Kids just want your attention every saturday mornimg my brother and i would make pies out of mud filled with flowers we gathered from neighbors and my mom would sit with her tea and pretend she was eating them in we got such a kick out of it.

[@cantocant2346]

Perfect gifts! Don't let anyone discourage you. That is a wonderful Christmas for the kids!

[@YPEFFLE]

When you belong to a large family I don't see why I would be getting my kids a ton of gifts ! My kids have 12 aunt and uncles!! Both grandparents still alive and ton of friends .... the gifts are endless! We are not cheap, we have healthy college savings accounts for them and take great memory making vacations .... that's what my kids will remember l/appreciate when they get old!

[@kimwarner6363]

Our kids are 11,13,15 & 17 and they love game night! The big deal is my husband and I engaging in the games they want to play. For this Christmas week we let each kid pick one day and they are in charge of and get to be the one to pick the game/ activities for the day.

[@DH-qz2so]

Ok, so you HAVE to get a game called Settlers of Catan,...the 'base' game...oh my...so addictive...and your kids are the perfect ages to play...you can get expansions...but I would highly recommend you get just the base game.. it is awesome!

[@qq1651]

can I ask what games you and your kids play together? 11 - 17 is a pretty big range and Ive never found a game that both tweens and teens both enjoy. So, help a girl out! ;)

[@DH-qz2so]

@@qq1651 Settlers of Catan is a 'must' for sure...the 'base' game to start is for 3-4 players...then you can buy expansions...for the 'base' game...as well as Seafarers Expansion which lets you...oh - just go buy it! You will not be disappointed...we have been playing this youngens, teens, adults...and now me and my sisters, are addicted....such a great game! really! Your kids are the perfect age...even younger than 11 can play...as ours did!

[@acheeryheart2622]

My son guaranteed always wants lego as his first choice of any gift possible. Lego lasts a lifetime and can be enjoyed by any age and is always much loved when passed on to others so it is a worthwhile investment. We also do one main gift for the children but I then also do a stocking of small things they will use day to day, use up in some way or can do arts and crafts with or eat (ie, all will be fully utilised, needed or used up throughout the year) so yes they do get more 'stuff' in stockings but not unnecessary plastic tat that will just get forgotten about. My daughter is into all things arts and crafts and has an overwhelming need for sensory things. For her the joy is in the making, be that baking, sculpting, drawing, making cards etc and the nice bit is that she is really happy to then gift those things she has made to others which in turn makes her feel good and is a great way for her to show her love and gratitude to others (plus it stops it all clogging up our house too!)

[@rondap.328]

lol my daughter asked me what to buy for her dad and me..I told her we needed nothing .she insisted so we decided she would pay our next propane bill...

[@dianedeck]

Wow that's an awesome gift if you think about it. The gift of warmth from a loving daughter.

[@AdventureswithAmirah]

@@dianedeck ❤️

[@rowenalee1684]

I tell my kids (9 and 12 years old) not to get me anything, just to be well behaved and don't fight - best gift ever!

[@ashleaspruce8185]

Nice!

[@betsyolsson-mackowski7682]

Brilliant!😁

[@ginam3862]

You are doing a great job giving well thought out gifts! Several years ago when our kids were younger, rather than stress out on giving gifts to our relatives, we gave a gift of giving in their name- to Samaritan Purse. We gave money to buy cows, goats etc to third world countries. It was a good period of time for us and our kids to give to more needy families. Sometimes it’s good to recreate the spirit of giving. I love your videos.

[@brendahall2018]

I love and appreciate your perspective in all of this and I think your parental love and attention is far more precious than anything material. ❤

[@SharonR1105]

You are so smart to have started this kind of giving for kiddos. If you start out with too much, when they are teenagers, it's IMPOSSIBLE to keep up.

[@tracyheff2641]

Don’t feel you have to defend your choices... It’s your life! Love your videos!

[@jesussaves7973]

Exactly!

[@territrott7199]

The best Christmas ever was when the family decided to stop buying gifts and going on vacation together. We live in different states, so we need this time together. I don't mind spending the money as much as not knowing what to buy. So stressful for me!!!

[@Clutterbug]

I love this calendar gift idea so much!!

[@AbundantAcresHomestead]

A calendar with dates...it’s like a year of hope ❤️ Calendar and notebooks...I would be ALL about stationary gifts!!!

[@familyof5quicktips514]

The calendar and "future best seller" journal are such creative ideas! I love to give bath toys as gifts too!

[@l.s.aldridge5798]

I LOVE that you do 1 gift per kid. We do 1 gift and 1 book per kid and others often think it's too little. But getting gifts is a treat, and I think giving less makes each one more valuable. Especially on Christmas, when the point is about Someone else.

[@sarahr7279]

Aww you had me crying when talking about Adeline. You are such a good Mom. I think we could all take a little more time to listen to our kids and really fill their needs. I think the knitting bag was so cute! As a fellow knitter I think she'll really like that to keep her project in a safe place without always putting it away 😀. Merry Christmas everyone!

[@rachelbennett9150]

Giving each kid one gift is perfectly reasonable! Especially when they are getting gifts from relatives as well. My kids grandparents live far away from us and so love sending gifts, but they usually go overboard. Plus they have aunts and uncles. But no guilt at regifting anything we don't want or need! It's the thought that counts.

[@CreateLoveRepeat]

Love the bags for the girls! That will be super helpful, especially if they’re working on a project with multiple colors that they have to switch between. We finally did a one gift per kid (plus a few stocking stuffers, mostly edible things) Christmas for our three kids (we did it Saturday because we’ll got to Grammy & Papa’s on the day), and they were so happy to open their things and get right to playing without having to open several more gifts. Thank you for all your inspiration; it really has changed our family’s world.

[@janetrhein3697]

Teen boys love tools. Hand tools are usually affordable. Plus, they are something that usually get a lot of use. Our sons who are now in their mid-twenties, will fondly recall which tool came from us, or their grandparents, or their uncle. Their toolbox is a bit of a walk down memory lane because the tool given usually had a story attached to it by the giver about why they chose the tool and how handy the giver had found it. Such nice memories!

[@VelvetRedRoses]

This year, we gave our grandson two large organizer cases filled with matchbox cars from when our son was a child. I found a slew of them at that time at a yard sale, and of course added a car or truck now and then through those years. Many of them were about 50 or 60 years old, but mostly 30 years with a few newer ones mixed in. When the family gathered for a mini-Christmas a few days after Christmas when everyone could be there, the box was opened and we were surprised at what happened. Our own adult kids were more delighted to see their favorite cars, or cite a remembrance, or make various other comments about the vehicles. That ended up being the best gift of all that were opened because we all got so much joy from watching these interactions. And we spent nothing more than the cost of the wrapping paper! Our grandson organizes them by color, then size, and other ways that a 3-year old can come up with. He especially likes the fire engine and all the equipment vehicles too because of the moving parts. The cases has a few blank spots so some of his existing cars can fit inside.

[@marybethlongstreth186]

For parents, we did the same things with "dates" for them, but instead of a dollar tree calendar, we had one made with family pics. My parents loved seeing pics of the family and our antics. They were in some too sharing the joy of the moment. I put all family birthdays printed in it so they remembered to send a card or call. They loved them - and the pics often encouraged calls and notes of the fun things they remembered. I miss making them. Out gifts for 5 kids were 4 each and a stocking. Want, need, wear, read. Easy peasy and interesting.

[@andreamiller6200]

I loved seeing these gifts and anticipating the pleasure they will each give the recipients. As a knitter, I REALLY loved that great knitting bag (perfect for any age knitter!). But what is inspiring me to comment right now is what Adeline told you about how she would rather spend an hour together with you rather than an hour on the computer - it erased 50 years in an instant and caused me to think back to when I was age 11 or age 14 (I am 64 now) and thinking about the sweetest times of my childhood when I would be sitting next to my mom on the sofa and we would just talk, heart to heart, about what she loved when she was 11 or 14, and what was I becoming interested in, and remembering how listened to and loved I felt and how much I appreciated her and what made her special and how good it felt to have that special regard. My mom has been gone now for 10 years but I still have to say that I continue to appreciate the closeness she fostered, and I remember and feel that well beyond any holiday gifts, fun as they may have been, and I will have that for the rest of my life. It is irreplaceable and I see you giving that to your kids day by day.

[@KR-os6nn]

Thank you for saying this Dawn. I have been feeling like a chump, because I told my husband we don’t need to get each other gifts this year (saving for something we both really want) and told my in-laws we’re not a fan of gifts or stuff, but they bought stuff for us, so we reciprocated, and then I felt weird because I started wanting a gift if I was the only one not spending, but then my husband told me he was getting me a gift! So now I’m the only one who has not gotten my husband something and it’s two days before Christmas. I don’t want to buy any cheap crap out of obligation for the holiday, and most of the things I would have ordered for him now would come after Christmas. I like to get people thoughtful gifts, not things because I feel obligated out of a holiday, and feel like I’ll look like a jerk on Christmas or that he will feel sad or like there’s no magic. Also, I’ve seen how many gifts my in-laws are getting for their grand baby, and holy cow! I’ve told my husband that those gifts would need to stay at grandma and grandpa’s if they were our kids. Plus, it feels like investing in China, unless they’re homemade or artisan-made. One gift from each parent sounds like more than enough for inventory management! Now that being said, I did want to get my mom a gift because we moved, so we got her a really nice quality robe that was breathable and what she wanted, and had the best bacon in town delivered to her door. She loved both! We’re not thoughtless, I just get overwhelmed with the silliness of this holiday!

[@hanab837]

I got my husband some stocking stuffers - a pocket knife he wanted, a package of candy, some snacks and packets of hot cocoa. We don't do big gifts for each other- just little things to show we care. Maybe do a small stocking for him?

[@acheeryheart2622]

Things you can still order that he will benefit from throughout the year without needing to open on the day itself are subscription gifts. My hubby one year had a posh monthly razor blade subscription gift (which he loved but would never have bought for himself) and for my brother in law I have bought a sock subscription in the past (as he likes to wear a specific brand of sock). One year I got my mum a magazine subscription and another year bought National Trust membership for my parents and some else bought theme park annual passes for my kids which were very well received (but delightfully don't clog up the house at all!). There are many different types of monthly subscription so maybe have a think about his favourite things and see if there is one that fits, you still have time to order something like that and write a note about it in his card or sometimes you can print something off the website to give in an envelope.

[@theadley774]

Maybe you could use Dawn's calendar idea and set up some fun dates for the two of you.

[@loxleybattle2591]

Some of my favorite “gifts” have been love letters from my spouse. Maybe write him a letter telling him how much you love him, what you appreciate, and favorite memories.

[@KR-os6nn]

I love these ideas, thank you everyone! Earlier today, I was thinking maybe a letter to him, and just a few minutes later, he walked in to tell me how much he has appreciated the multi-tool I got for him for our six-month anniversary years ago and had it engraved. I had been thinking that I wanted to get him a case of a nice dark beer, since he hasn’t bought it for himself for a while but really enjoys it, and I didn’t know if that was a nice enough gift. But I feel much better about it now, especially as a thoughtful stocking stuffer! We talked this afternoon and it turns out that the gift he ordered is coming after Christmas, so we’ll do an after-Christmas celebration and get a little overnight or weekend getaway to a cabin in the mountains and forest a couple of hours away from us. This was so kind, thank you all for understanding and for providing such thoughtful and sweet gift ideas!! 🙏❤️

[@davidandamandaboots]

Thank you for giving us "permission" to keep Christmas simple. ❤ I get excited every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday when I remember I get to watch your video that day. Merry Christmas!

[@gapeach51170]

We have four boys and we have never done huge Christmas gift giving. Our 3rd son was born on Christmas Day so he always gets a Birthday Gift wrapped in birthday paper and they would each get one "big" thing they were asking for and then things they needed. Now that they are grown we still have the tradition of giving them socks, underwear and stockings but we just love being together. I started buying a puzzle every year and we have the best time sitting around the table at all times during the day and night working on our puzzle and eating the treats we made together. Wishing your family a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!!

[@saravanessa1496]

Making a puzzle together is such a great idea! Must be very fun!

[@theadley774]

Puzzles are great family time projects. This year my daughter and her family gave me a beautiful puzzle of winter scene, on the back they had all written a Christmas message for me, so it was a Christmas card puzzle. After putting it together, I flipped it over and read the messages! Really fun idea.

[@mariakt2470]

A family puzzle night! What a great alternative to a game night or movie night. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@WellOfEchoes]

I love how Adeline single handedly brought back the Christmas spirit into the house 🎄👏🏼❤️😂 #thequietachiever

[@kaitlynsmith9199]

I love the way you just give one gift! So true, when children are being generously blessed by the other important people in their lives, they don't need MORE gifts to feel loved, they really need the quality time with you. Love your channel, thank you so much for sharing.

[@Mommaforlife]

Love the calendar idea! I made a shutterfly calendar for my grandparents years ago with all the important family dates with pictures. They loved it!

[@jennymartin2278]

Game night is my boys favorite thing. They have been begging to play Harry Potter Hogwarts Battle with us and we keep putting it off. Thank you for the reminder that the quality time is important, not the quantity. Game night tonight!

[@dianaclements8861]

I think this is great! Having recently had some serious health problems and drastic income reduction, your channel has really helped me feel better. So thank you and very glad I found you!

[@ashandu]

I love what an intentional gift giver you are Dawn. I think having to buy less allows you time and brain power to choose more thoughtful gifts. Merry Christmas!

[@Nicole-yi2lo]

A tip I got that helped me on gift giving was that it is okay for it to feel transactional when you get what people ask for because you get to learn about what that kid likes/what their current tastes are. Getting to know my kids, and nieces and nephews, is my ultimate win. That said, you did an amazing job! WOW!

[@danaerakstad7924]

Thanks for sharing!

[@emilymichaels1149]

Your concept of inventory. It’s wonderful and has helped us work on how we fill our house. We did a 24 days of purging and me and the hubs were able to get rid of 600 + items!!! We are ecstatic

[@Siures]

I was really a easy gifted teen. I always wanted books. Made a list and knew how expensive the books were and how many my father would give.

[@sharonbennett5675]

Brilliant gifts. Love is not demonstrated by the number of gifts you give the kids. You have picked something each kid will love smiles all around at your house this Christmas morning xx

[@barbarabaird954]

Another good idea for a calendar for an older person is to write in the names and birthdates of all their grandchildren or great-grandchildren I did this for my mom this year and have been for the last so many years and she always likes it because she’s not met some of her great grand children because they live so far away

[@thestrugglingperfectionist]

I do this for my parents and they absolutely love it! Great way to give them what they need, it’s not a waste of money, and something they display all year!

[@j.annminer7163]

Oh I just love the coffee date calendar idea! I might unwrap and do this with calendar I am giving my husband.

[@lorij8281]

My sisters and a few friends texts eachother alot..and we pray for eachother when we need special prayer. It is so nice to hear from them and how they are doing. We help each other during the good and hard times. I can relate to you and your sister. You are so sweet..just like my family. I miss my family so much because I can not see them as much as I would like to. Listening to you makes me feel like my sister and family are with me. God bless you and your family.

[@marge3863]

This year I got my kids (24, 23 and 21) one gift and their stocking. I had no guilt. I took my time wrapping them as beautifully as possible while watching something Christmassy. The joy was having all 3 home, snow on Christmas and having my daughters rabbit, our cat named chicken, my other daughter's giant dog that looks like a black bear and my old hound. At any given time all in the house. Yep it was one for the books.

[@rebeccabuck2196]

I'm so happy to see that your girls crochet and knit! Merry Christmas.

[@kaylawensel7089]

Spending the family time together without phones is something we need to work on. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@dlbriley]

I love the calendar idea! Back in olden days. Children only got one or two gifts from Santa.

[@aliblue3605]

How dare people call you guys cheep, these gifts don't look cheaply priced to buy to me. Just cause you got less gifts doesn't always mean people are cheap, just more careful with your money, that's all.

[@susanf4857]

Her gifts are very thoughtful!

[@jennietaylor2806]

Cheap

[@ktee6370]

Absolutely, those presents are meaningful, encourage activities together, and are so well thought through :)

[@YPEFFLE]

@@jennietaylor2806 yes call me cheap but my kids will have paid for weddings and college thanks to our "cheapness" plus looking into buying a vacation cabin

[@jennietaylor2806]

@@YPEFFLE yes your getting a vacation home at the expense of your children.. dress it up any way you want to your cheap and a little selfish

[@augustahinton4110]

Both you and your sister have been such a blessing to me! I am a teacher and I always feel pulled where to spend energy on the house or the classroom. I stumbled upon your videos over Christmas break and I am hooked and trying to watch as many as a I can while I’m purging. It feels so great!!! Also both of you are so gifted and I think that is awesome you are encouraging your sister in her writing she has a gift for the word. I can definitely tell she is spirit led! Keep up the good work encourage others both of you! Thank you 🥰 Augusta

[@debrahurtado5491]

Always.... a container to ORGANIZE our hobbies is ONE OF THE BEST GIFTS!! It is empowering and pleasant and a win-win for all.

[@VelvetRedRoses]

My daughter loves game night and movie night. She continued the tradition with her friends while in college or now while working (neither of which were near home) because it felt more like a family with her roommates and friends. These things keep homesickness away because anywhere can feel like you're with family.

[@TamaraL072680]

I love your quality thoughtful gifts!I have 9 children from ages 1 to 22 and I was more into quality this year than quantity.

[@terri6584]

Nice job, Dawn! I'm impressed that your daughters learned to knit or crochet & enjoy it! It's a skill they'll always have & a skill that is somewhat getting lost. I remember an elderly H.S. Latin teacher who brought her knitting to class when we had an extensive test to take. She told us, "You should learn new skills when you're young so you can enjoy them, too, when you're older." Not only was that a great memorable "teaching moment" with what she said, but showing us, too, how she enjoyed doing it while monitoring a test was very impressive. They say it's so good to do, relaxing, etc. & bet great for the mind, too. My grandmother, into her late nineties, use to crochet a new afghan every year to give to someone.

[@thisoldnest6963]

My mom had to ground me from the library 😅😅 she said she realized that I could have cared less about the TV and that it felt weird grounding me from books.....but it totally worked! 😆 #bookwormproblems

[@staceysmith4940]

My kids are 17, 23, and 24. Recently we were joking around and talking and they started talking about Christmas. Not one kid mentioned a gift. They all talked about time together, games, our Christmas light cruises with hot cocoa, my mom making enough food for 30 when it was really just 15 of us because she wanted everyone to have their favorites. How I was never into “pretty trees” but always used their handmade ornaments. How we made reindeer food and sprinkled it outside and it was always gone the next morning and how Santa preferred craft beer over milk. My heart was so full!!!!!!! All this to say kids often don’t remember the gifts but DO remember the feelings and time spent.

[@Melinda_WA_US]

All 3 of my children are in their 20s. When they were growing up they "grumbled" too about playing games or doing whatever as a family but now they will talk about something we did and say how much they loved it. Enjoy them while they are small and don’t stop because they are grumbling, they will think back with joy in what feels like a min.

[@teresabell1014]

Love the calendar with the sticky notes.

[@TRuth.T]

Thanks, for sharing. Praying for everyone... My daughter works a a senior facility in St.Paul area she said 2 of the 3 floors she works at the residents all have tested positive for covid. I'm praying that the staff stays well, so they can take care of everyone..

[@donbrown1532]

The thought that goes into a gift is always heartfelt and as important as the gift itself and quality is more important than quantity. Your gift choices were thoughtful and of quality i think your awesome parents.

[@cbmaine3709]

Dawn you come across so natural on your videos. Like we are friends sitting down with a tea and chatting! So appreciate that in these times of not being able to physically be with our loved ones. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@erinfrasch2775]

We are keeping the presents for our kids more simple this year. They each got a hoodie, a book, and an echo dot speaker. We also got our son,12 a lego set and our daughter, 16 some art supplies. Less shopping and less wrapping and less stress! Merry Christmas Dawn! 😊❤️ 🎄👍

[@missakialexandria]

Those Water Wows are a lifesaver at church too if your kids have to sit through the family / adult service before breakout groups.

[@gracewithouttears3687]

The best gifts are those that keep hands busy. Good job choosing for your kids.

[@vanillaskye55]

So excited for serious decluttering! Can not wait!

[@kimjaymama26]

I agree! This is the first year I have felt not out of control. And I just had a baby!! And it’s because we have simplified presents this year and because there are less events on the calendar. So much more memories made reading books, watching oldie Christmas cartoons and snuggling a newborn.

[@donettemorgan4703]

This is turning out to be one of my favorite Christmas’ 🎄 My husband and I cut back majorly!! Our 22 & 24 year olds, we got them two special, meaningful gifts each! So fun! I got my 22 yo daughter a bundt pan and items to make a pumpkin Bundt cake!! Thank you for your encouragement in each and every video to become better “quality” people! Love you lots! 🥰

[@wanderhummel1345]

The calendar-coupon-gift is a great idea. Thank you!!!! 😊

[@suzie2080]

I'm absolutely in love with that calendar for you know who. Now that is a special gift. Your time is worth so much more than things.

[@ABBAnMJ]

A friend of mine suggested this idea which we began to do for Christmas for our kids and they loved it! Early in December we let each child pick out a roll of wrapping paper and then we wrapped each child’s gift in their own wrapping paper. Then we hid the presents throughout the house for Christmas morning. When the kids woke up they would run all over the house looking for the presents that were wrapped in their wrapping paper. This is one of their favorite memories from Christmas!😁

[@kelseyd4196]

Aww, I LOVE that you're getting the girls those adorable totes for their knitting and crocheting! I recently have been teaching myself to fingerknit (thanks KZbin! 😄) I have all my yarn, scissors, measuring tape, etc just in a big ol reusable grocery bag and it's super inconvenient! ☹ I'm always digging to the bottom looking for the little stuff I need. Great gift idea to help keep their hobbies organized, simple and easy to access and enjoy!

[@joannbirdsong583]

My granddaughter finger knits and does a beautiful job. I’m sure you will like doing that too.

[@kelseyd4196]

@@joannbirdsong583 That's awesome, JoAnn! Yes, I've really been enjoying it. I've made several headbands (or ear warmers they're calling them!) with both thick and thin yarn. Even some as Christmas gifts! I hope to improve my skills as I practice. Maybe I can even make a knit cap??!! It's been been a really fun and relaxing new hobby and I'm so glad I gave it a try. Glad your granddaughter is enjoying it too! 😊

[@tncolmd1615]

Time together listening & interacting. The best gift you can ever give your children.

[@pip5858]

The crochet and knitting bags are awesome. I bought myself one a couple of years ago and it helps me with my crochet all the time. Great thoughtful gifts!

[@amandadavispomeroy]

Love the toys & your approach to Christmas gifts. We started paring down a few years ago & I’m so glad. For hubby & I, we give each other stockings but usually that’s it. Green toys are awesome!!

[@jenmiller3532]

The crochet and knit bags are super cute! I would love it if someone got me one. I hope your girls enjoyed them! I may steal the calendar idea, also. 😊

[@nicolecrandall297]

Love the gift ideas! Those knit/crochet bags look amazing and I’m sure will be well loved! I love crocheting and playing with legos (I’m in my early thirties)!

[@susanedwards4646]

Your gifts are great! We had 4 children too, grown now. We did similar to getting them a couple of gifts, grandparents lived out of state, sent money for us to get them something from them. As they got older we gave them some of the money to use as they wanted. Gifts were simple, practical. When our daughter was a teen, and a Dec. B'day, we painted/wallpapered her room and got her a new bed and chest - then Christmas a dressing table w/bench - so occasionally, something special. I had the same thought, were we counting on family for Christmas and no, we weren't - Grandparents want to be part of their Christmas - it's not a competition either. No one was extravagant - now, as Grandparents, we have a tradition to give them Christmas Pj's - have been doing that for 14 years. We might add a little extra like I ordered them each a personalized spiral notebook and pen, but it's simple and they love it. I also take them to lunch or this year, the drive through!

[@mamatofive1]

Love the simplicity of your gifts! The gingerbread houses looked amazing 😁

[@annfarrell6479]

Thank you, Dawn for sharing your purchases with us. They were simple, yes, but it showed us that it’s not about the money spent, but the time and thought you put into choosing what gifts what would be appreciated. Nicely done. Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🎄

[@katherinekelly4782]

Thank you for keeping it real!! You are always honest and it makes you very relatable. Have fun with all the snow we are getting!!!!

[@tonjahartjes1698]

I have been watching your videos and systematically decluttering and organizing my house. I love it- it feels so liberating. My kids are saying " Do you have to get rid of everything?"...lol My Christmas gifts for all 8 members of my family have also been "minimalized". They all fit in a standard small moving box. We will see what they think and say on Christmas...

[@Mespinab]

Just wanted to say that I've enjoyed watching your videos over quarantine. I originally found you because I was looking for minimalist home videos. Thank you for sharing with us how you have been spending the holiday time with your family. Your honesty and openness make me look forward to your videos in the New Year.

[@oliviarucker5013]

I watched this last year and I am watching it again going into the holiday season. I can't wait for your upcoming ones this year!

[@betsyolsson-mackowski7682]

Thank you for this great video! I like how you got each child one really nice thing. I think that creates a helpful structure for holiday gift giving.

[@homeworkandheartwork1724]

Enjoy your channel, as always! It is stressful over here. My daughter (2 years old )broke her leg yesterday and we also learned a beloved church member passed away from covid on the same day. I know Jesus is in control!

[@TheMinimalMom]

Oh no! So sorry to hear this! Blessings and grace to you all! ❤️

[@wanda4573]

Big hugs for your precious daughter

[@wanda4573]

Sorry about the passing

[@tgayer1]

So sorry to hear that!

[@21earlthepearl]

My 2-year-old broke her leg this fall. It's traumatic at first, but they heal so quick. Sticker activities, the water paint thing that Dawn showed in this video, and play doh all helped us get through the month of healing. If you have wool dryer balls or soft indoor balls to play with, that helps get some of the energy out while they can't walk.

[@pamketron]

Spending quality time together is so much better than toys. You chose perfect gifts for your kids. It’s nice when people put thought into gifts instead of just buying lots of things. They will love your picks! ❤️🎄🎁

[@sandraphillips2969]

You are so smart to give one gift from Santa and let the rest of the family give gifts. I'm a grandma who LOVES to give my grandkids gifts (along with two set of other grandparents) and it sure helps Mom and Dad. :) Merriest of Moments to you and yours, Minimal Mom!!!