Giving Thanks for Less

November 18, 2014 — holiday, obligations, stress, Thanks

chiles from the garden

Tucson winter

I am pleased that our household is free to interpret holidays in our own way, which might include not at all. When I was younger I had many family gatherings at my house with heavy responsibility and expense. I am thankful that I am free of that kind obligation now. Good or bad, the traditions that my parents embraced are not my own. Bob and I live in a city with wonderful dining and entertainment options. We like the idea of supporting those local business owners who provide happy hours, dinners, and delicious lunches. We normally buy some gift cards this time of year when the restaurants offer discounts. It is a fun way for us to make plans to do something special together and save a few bucks at the same time. This year the restaurant we chose is excluding the use of the gift card on holidays and special occasions. At first I was miffed because we had planned to go on Thanksgiving. Upon consideration we realized we don’t even like to celebrate on the real day because it is always crowded with all the servers stressed. We will just go the night before or the day after the real holiday for our party and have the restaurant to ourselves.

This philosophy is catching on quickly here.  Rather than bring out lots of decorations for the house I am doing a full deep cleaning and clearing of our home.  We have very little space now because we have crammed things into every corner and cabinet.  We love art, but can’t find a place to display what we already own.  It makes no sense for us  to acquire more. The most impressive and useful gift I can think of for our home is a serious removal of clutter and junk from top to bottom.  We need a big haul to the Goodwill much more than any shopping trip for new items.  We are not cutting corners on anything we like, want, or need.  We just don’t want or need a busy expensive winter season.  I am ready for the holidays because I don’t build any false obligations or social pressure.

Christmas cactus

Here at our house we celebrate by:

• sharing happy hour at home with friends
• making our own holiday hootch to toast the season
• avoiding driving
• filling our home with music and scent
• gifting small homemade items to a few people

I am thankful for my stress free life.  Less is the best for me.  Is there anything you could easily eliminate to make this time of year less stressful?

Tucson sunset