MY MINIMALIST CHRISTMAS

I’d love to tell you that I’ve got my perfect minimalist Christmas down-pat but truth is, I still underestimate how tiring December is. This time of year really ramps up as my body wants to slow down - not a great combination. More marking of books (standard for a teacher this time of year), more end of term events, more shopping, more organising and more stress, but…….

Here are 10 ways I am working towards a simpler, quieter Christmas.No Christmas cards.

  1. No crackers.

  2. No gifts for adults, spending time with each other instead.

  3. No parties (that I know will exhaust me), even at the risk of upsetting the host.

  4. No end of term events unless I (or the kids) really want to go.

  5. Fewer gifts, better quality.

  6. Treasured old decorations instead of buying new.

  7. Simple food, better ingredients.

  8. Early nights.

  9. No guilt for doing less.

Although I’m not quite there yet, each year is feeling more calm and includes less obligation and stress.

Anna Macdonald