Have You Ever Wanted To Skip Christmas?

A few years ago, I watched a movie based on John Grisham’s, Skipping Christmas.  In Christmas with the Kranks, Tim Allen proposes that he and his wife (Jamie Lee Curtis) take the $6,100 they normally spend on Christmas and go on a Caribbean cruise. He arrives home with the flyer, ready to buy the tickets.

Since their only daughter won’t be home, he makes a strong case to skip all the work and expense of a traditional holiday. Wouldn’t a real vacation be better? Imagine lounging in the sun, umbrella drink in-hand! Sign me up!

Is Skipping Christmas possible?

But it made me think? Is Skipping Christmas really possible?

Maybe. I already skip parts of Christmas, like obligatory events and tasks.  But I kept the parties and experiences.

Do you see the difference?

When my to-do list held only chores and errands, I found myself rushing to just get it done!  Now, my list is filled with holiday experiences. Here’s how it changed over the years.  

Shopping and Budget

First, we reduced our list significantly. We removed people. Christmas wasn’t ruined. And everyone still likes us.

I realized we shopped for a very long (a.k.a expensive) list of people. Many of whom, we never saw. I did not set a budget and dealt with the aftermath in January. 

Also, gift-giving created a hardship for some family members. By reducing our list, we removed a burden from them. Now, we make a point of spending time together throughout the year versus buying a bunch of stuff they did not need.

Homemade Gifts

I make many Christmas gifts. Grandparents love photo calendars. I also make consumable gifts in recycled jars. Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix, Homemade Hot Cocoa & Marshmallows, and Vanilla Extract are met with rave reviews. After experimenting with a few recipes, I selected my signature gifts. These three recipes call for similar ingredients which help my budget and inventory management.

Ironically, the homemade items actually allow us time to visit neighbors and friends.  My husband and I drive around and play Santa for a few hours and admire everyone’s decorations.

Again, it’s not the gift but the experience of the visit. Our simplified calendar (and minimal shopping) affords us the margin in our schedule to do so.

Schedule

The holidays are filled with endless opportunities for parties, concerts, and more. It’s easy to end up with a jam-packed calendar. Ours is not.

We attend parties not obligations. We choose holiday events, not command performances. The second Saturday of December (except during COVID) is reserved to host our own holiday party. But I hope those attending do so because it’s fun, not because they feel obligated.

The party is our labor of love. Additionally, we collect gift cards, in lieu of a hostess gift. In 12 years, we raised nearly $13,000 for two schools in need. I believe that blessing others is what the holidays are all about. #christmaspartywithacause

Are you expected to attend the same events every year?

What if you stopped and politely declined?

When the invitations roll in, check your calendar, discuss priorities with your family, and RSVP promptly. Remember, “No” is a complete sentence.

Decorations

Once upon a time, I owned 12 bins of Christmas decor. Gradually, I curated my collection into 4 bins of decorations I love. I display them in a few hours.

After Thanksgiving, I choose a free evening, turn on Christmas music and pour a glass of wine. Decorating became an experience instead of a chore. I smile as I unwrap snowmen but maintain a critical eye for items that no longer work for us and can be passed on.

I volunteer at a local thrift store. This allows me to see how my donations serve others and more importantly their needs.

My decorations are up in one day. There’s no wrestling large boxes or setting up elaborate displays. No running to the store to replace lights or broken extension cords. I removed decorations that were labor-intensive or difficult to store. The result….a simple but festive home.

Travel

Early in our marriage, my husband and I decided we wanted to spend some holidays at home to establish our own traditions. Thus, the 3-year rotation began. One year spent with each set of parents and one year at home. It’s not easy to do but it’s worth it. It also means that we keep some traditions and enjoy new experiences.

FOMO

In the movie, Mrs. Krank is intrigued by the thought of a trip but her FOMO (fear of missing out) and worry about what the neighbors will think won’t let her say yes! Eventually, she relents but the holiday season is filled with protests and funny antics by the neighbors. They are genuinely upset about the lack of decorations and the canceled Christmas Eve party.

Or are they secretly jealous of such a good idea?

I’ll be honest, I was annoyed with the neighbors for not respecting their decision. I won’t spoil the end as they do redeem themselves. Ultimately, the story does a good job of showing what Christmas and community are all about (minus Frosty on the roof perhaps). 

By living simply, I live my values. Being intentional with my time so that faith, family, friends, health and generosity all come first! Especially at Christmas.

I don’t really believe we need to start Skipping Christmas. But perhaps we could skip the things that leave us feeling stressed, tired, exhausted, manipulated, guilted, and in debt until February.

Would you like to create a simple Christmas?

Learn more in my Christmas Workshop and 3 Digital Downloads. Check it out here!

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