The year we were snowed in, for most of December, marked a turning point in how I viewed Christmas. Up until that year, I believed I had struck a balance between festivity and frugality, but being unable to venture out for the usual holiday shopping spree forced me to confront my habits. It turns out, many of the things I had been buying were more about filling a void than celebrating the season.
That year became the first step toward crafting what I now call a “Simple Christmas.”
In years past, I had always been drawn to the glittering displays of novelty Christmas items. Single-use trinkets, themed wrapping paper, new strands of twinkling lights—they all felt like necessary parts of the holiday magic. I justified these purchases as part of the season’s joy, but that snowed-in December stripped everything down to basics. Without the opportunity to go out and gather the usual decorations and gifts, we had to make do with what we already had.
And, surprisingly, it was more than enough.
We pulled out the old ornaments we’d nearly forgotten, crafted a few decorations ourselves, and baked cookies to fill the house with the scent of the holidays. Our Christmas tree wore a mismatched collection of baubles, each with a memory attached. Instead of stressing about creating a picture-perfect holiday scene, I found myself enjoying the slower pace and the chance to truly savor little things. It was far from perfect, but it was deeply meaningful.
Each year since, we’ve made small adjustments to make Christmas more about connection and less about consumption. This isn’t to say we’ve completely let go of the festive traditions. I still love stringing up lights and playing holiday music, but I’ve learned to focus on what truly brings joy. We’ve also started new traditions that reflect our evolving idea of a “simple christmas”, a holiday that feels warm, personal, and uniquely ours.
One of my favorite changes has been simplifying gift-giving. We now focus on thoughtful, practical presents rather than sheer quantity. For instance, handmade gifts have become a cherished tradition. Whether it’s a knitted scarf, a jar of homemade jam, or a photo album filled with memories, these gifts carry so much more meaning than anything purchased on a whim. The process of creating something for someone else brings its own kind of holiday magic—it’s as much a gift to the giver as to the recipient. The process of donating your time, is somewhat priceless.
Food, too, has taken on a new role in our celebrations. Instead of elaborate meals that leave us exhausted and stuck with mountains of leftovers, we’ve embraced simpler menus. A hearty soup, crusty bread, and a decadent dessert shared around a cozy table create the perfect atmosphere for laughter and storytelling. Cooking together has also become part of the fun. There’s something special about rolling out cookie dough with loved ones or stirring a pot of hot cocoa while snow falls softly outside.
Over the years, we’ve also rediscovered the joy of spending time outdoors. Instead of rushing from store to store or cramming our schedules with events, we now make time for winter walks and outdoor adventures. There’s something grounding about breathing in the crisp air, watching the sunlight sparkle on the snow, and feeling the crunch of frost underfoot. These moments brings me simplicity and beauty and helps me to shift my focus away from material things.
What stands out mostly about our evolving “simple christmas” is that it’s a work in progress. Each year, we learn something new about what works for us and what doesn’t. Some traditions fade away, while others take root and flourish.
For example, there has been a year we experimented with a digital-free Christmas Eve. It was strange and awkward at first. The mere scene of having to get rid of our cell phones and tablets for one night was especially unforgettable. And the result was magical. We played board games, shared stories, and laughed until our sides hurt. It was a reminder of how easily technology can distract us from the people right in front of us. Now, we make it a point to carve out some screen-free time during the holidays.
Our simple christmas isn’t perfect (never was) and I don’t think it ever will be. There are still moments of stress and frustration, and sometimes I catch myself slipping back into old habits. But the beauty of this journey is that it’s always evolving. Each year, we get a little closer to creating a holiday that feels authentic and joyful—a celebration that’s less about impressing others and more about cherishing what truly matters.
I’ve come to realize that a simple christmas isn’t about having less; it’s about making space for more of what’s meaningful.
It’s about laughter around the dinner table, the glow of candlelight on a winter’s night, and the warmth of a heartfelt gift. It’s about embracing imperfection and finding joy in the journey rather than the destination.
What about you? What does a simple christmas look like in your life? I’d love to hear how you’ve pared down the holiday to focus on what truly brings you joy. Whether it’s a new tradition you’ve started, an old one you’ve reclaimed, or a small change that’s made a big difference, share your stories in the comments. After all, the beauty of a simple christmas is that it’s as unique as the people who celebrate it.
