Bringing Back the True Spirit of Christmas: Why We Choose Simplicity Over Spending
The Pressure of the Holidays
Every December, the holiday season seems to turn into a race—a race to buy, spend, and impress. Advertisements scream at us from every direction, convincing us that happiness comes in the form of expensive gifts and overflowing shopping carts. For many families, this pressure is overwhelming. Some even go into debt just to make Christmas “perfect.”
But here’s the truth: not everyone can afford Christmas gifts. Many parents are working tirelessly just to keep the lights on and food on the table. For them, the holidays can feel more stressful than joyful. And honestly, that’s heartbreaking.
So, what happened to simple holidays? What happened to the days when the most important part of Christmas was spending time with the people we love?
Our Family’s Choice: Simplicity Over Consumerism
Years ago, we decided we weren’t going to play the consumer game. We wanted Christmas to mean something deeper—something that couldn’t be bought in a store or wrapped in shiny paper. So, we created our own tradition.
We have three amazing kids—two boys and one girl—and every year, we give them:
One big item to share
A few smaller items for each of them
That’s it. No mountains of toys. No pressure to “keep up” with anyone else. Just thoughtful gifts that bring joy without overshadowing the true meaning of the season.
Why Our Kids Don’t Believe in Santa
This might surprise some people, but our kids don’t believe in Santa Claus. From the beginning, we’ve been honest: Mommy and Daddy are the ones who buy your gifts. We want them to understand that Christmas isn’t about a magical man sliding down chimneys—it’s about family, love, and gratitude.
But here’s the beautiful part: even though they know the truth, they also know that many other kids believe in Santa. And they respect that. They would never spoil the magic for someone else. That’s an important lesson in kindness and empathy—understanding that what’s true for you might not be true for someone else, and that’s okay.
Teaching the Spirit of Christmas
For us, Christmas is about more than gifts. It’s about giving in ways that matter—sharing time, creating memories, and showing love. We teach our kids that expensive gifts don’t make Christmas special. What makes it special is:
Laughing together while decorating the tree
Baking cookies and making a mess in the kitchen
Watching classic holiday movies snuggled under blankets
Visiting family and friends
Giving back to those in need
These are the moments that last. These are the traditions that matter.
Why Simplicity Feels Right
When we strip away the pressure to spend, something amazing happens: Christmas becomes joyful again. There’s no stress about budgets or debt. No frantic last-minute shopping. Just peace, gratitude, and connection.
And honestly? Our kids don’t feel like they’re missing out. They’re happy. They’re content. They understand that Christmas isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality. And that’s a lesson they’ll carry for life.
A Gentle Reminder
If you’re feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, take a step back. Ask yourself:
What do I really want my kids to remember about Christmas?
Is it the pile of gifts? Or is it the laughter, the love, and the time spent together?
And if you’re in a position to help, consider donating to a local charity, adopting a family for the holidays, or simply offering kindness to someone who’s struggling. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is hope.
