My (rapidly) evolving relationship with shopping these days, which I’ve been dragging along for a few years without realizing it. This “discomfort” I feel when faced with the sudden over-consumption that society encourages us to make – among other things – at Christmas time.

Now that I’m a mother, it’s even worse! I dread the mountain of presents my son is going to get every year, because deep down I know it’s all unnecessary, that he’d be just as happy with less, that it’s not really the values I want to instill in him. I’d like him to understand, much sooner than I did, the benefits of a simpler, more minimalist and ethical life.

1 – SECOND-HAND
It’s not the first thing I would have thought of a while ago, but choosing second-hand items for Christmas presents means you can find something in great condition, at a bargain price, while giving it a second life. Not only does our budget thank us, but so does the planet, since the production of objects is resource-intensive: we might as well avoid it as much as possible!

2 – INTANGIBLE GIFTS
Rather than collecting things, I’m more and more attached to the idea of collecting moments… Some people are very attached to the idea of opening packages. Even when you give an intangible gift, you can still give a package! It could be a box containing a card or a hint about the gift.

An intangible gift can be :

A kitty to finance a project
Money in the children’s passbook: Rather than a new toy that will end up donated or broken, why not plan for their future?
Vouchers”: a voucher for a restaurant, a voucher for a hug (ideally to be used in the event of an argument, anger, etc.), a voucher for a service (housework, DIY, etc.), there are so many things to imagine!
A training course or workshop: Maybe that family member is dreaming of retraining and is aiming for an expensive course, maybe he’s dreaming of taking a cooking workshop, maybe he has a thirst for knowledge and would like to take an online course on a subject he’s passionate about?
An unusual or culinary experience or a weekend away: What could be better than a weekend away with the family, an afternoon of lasergaming, an unusual or culinary experience to make a lasting impression and spend some time together?

3 – THE CHRISTMAS ROUND
This is an experiment we’ve tried in our (large) family, and one we absolutely must repeat! The aim is for everyone to draw one person at random to spoil (instead of having to buy presents for everyone). Not only does this considerably reduce your Christmas shopping budget, it also allows you to take the time to choose something thoughtful and of quality for the person you’re planning to spoil. Less trinkets, less odds and ends, less quantity, less expense.

4 – CHOOSING GIFT WRAP
Last year, I gave up buying various types of gift wrap in favor of kraft paper. Gift wrap can’t be recycled, but kraft paper can. I bought one roll and it lasted all year (Christmas + various birthdays throughout the year). You can even have fun personalizing it a bit, like writing little words on it, wrapping it with string and, why not, adding little branches of fir or holly?

5 – CHOOSING THE TREE
Last year, I was convinced that a real tree was better, because it could be recycled. But then this year I thought, “Why would I want to buy a real tree if it’s only going to be in my house for a few weeks before being thrown away? Why should I support cutting down trees for a temporary decoration? Of course, if you’re going to re-plant your Christmas tree, why not! This year, then, I’m wondering whether it isn’t more “ethical” to buy an artificial, reusable tree. Even if “plastic isn’t fantastic”… And then it all depends on the conditions under which the natural tree is raised and recycled. Is it imported? Will it be recycled/composted or burned (hello the CO2 damage)? It’s a completely open question, and I’d be curious to hear your opinion on it!

Edit: I’ve come across several readings on the subject

All tend towards the natural tree (under certain conditions).

In the course of my research, I discovered that you can also rent a potted tree, which stays alive and has a second life!

6 – DECORATIONS
Unless this is your first Christmas in the home, I don’t think you need to buy/change your decorations every year. Why not reuse the same decorations every time? Of course, there’s nothing to stop us adding something to our collection, something of quality and/or meaning during a Christmas market. But there’s no such thing as too much! Don’t forget that these decorations only come out once a year, and have to be stored for the rest of the year. You don’t need to have tons of them, just a few objects to hang on your tree, a few strings of lights and some candles, and the Christmas atmosphere is there.

Are you thinking about simplifying Christmas? Have you already started putting things in place for a more minimalist holiday?