The 4 Gift Rule for Christmas
Growing up, Christmas was always a magical time. It felt like the one time of year I always got what I asked for, no. matter. what. But, the thing is, at some point, I realized the true magic of Christmas…
it’s the countless Christmas Eves I spent with my 20+ (yes, I lost count after 20) first cousins into the wee hours of the morning. My Pop-Pop dressing up as Santa Claus to hand out Christmas gifts. And, in later years, lounging (with mimosas) around the breakfast table on Christmas morning. You see, the magic doesn’t lie in the material things. It’s in the spirit of giving, and the unforgettable feeling of being in the same room as everyone you know and love to celebrate the season.
I am determined to hold true to that belief for my little family, because there’s nothing worse than putting in the time and effort to find the “perfect toy”, only to do a toy purge a few months later to throw “it” out…it stings twice as hard, am I right? I know, we’ve all been there…
So, that’s when I knew I had to find a framework to guide me because, well… over gifting is the only strategy I’ve ever known…
But, then I came across this tradition, and I was instantly smitten…
WANT, NEED, WEAR, READ - CHRISTMAS
Like many of you, our family received the Target and Amazon holiday catalogues in the mail. My oldest, Nora immediately ran for the scissors, glue and a piece of paper to cut out the things she wanted most. And there were a lot of things. But, to my surprise a few weeks later when I pressed her on what she wanted most from her toy collage, she only pointed out a few things that she really wanted.
That’s when I put the framework into action. I simply asked the girls if they could have any toy they wanted, what would it be? Then, I reminded them that winter is coming, and asked what they needed to get the most out of the season? Followed by, what kind of clothes they thought they needed.
In all honesty, the hardest bit was what they wanted to read because well, I’ve been purging a ton of books and have been utilizing our local library. I am a huge fan of public libraries. They are an invaluable resource, and not to mention a (“practicing”) minimalist’s best friend.
So, what did I get the girls for Christmas this year? Stay tuned over on our YouTube channel for a video to wrap presents with me, and see how we used the 4 gift rule this holiday season!
