Have An Uncluttered Christmas

It's not even Halloween yet, but I know many of us are already shopping for Christmas presents, or at least brainstorming what we can buy our loved ones.

This Christmas follows a several month time span where the husband and I sold or gave away a lot of items that were clutter so we could have our basement as a family and gaming area.  That's not all, but we managed to clean and organize all of our closets, and make serious improvements in the kitchen.   So, the question I've been pondering in my mind is; should I set limits to Christmas so we do not fall into the clutter trap again?

Some solutions I've been considering is:

• Have shared gift we buy that we can both use.  Then one smaller gift we give to each other. 
• We can ask for only gifts from immediate family.
• Set requirements on gifts.  (i.e. only from a list we provide, or only gift cards).
• Ask family to only give something we will use, read, or need. 

Now, my household is tiny.  It's just Mike and I and our two dogs.  We don't have children who are, of course, the ones that we all most want to spoil during this time of year.  For those with children, I learned from the book Unstuffed some ideas to handle Christmas.

• Begin teaching your children that living with toys and other non used items is not appropriate.  
• Give them an allowance and teach them how to save up and buy what they need so they begin to decide what they really, truly value.
• Set a rule that they can only ask for something they can use, read, or need.
• Ask family and friends to NOT run out and get the hottest toys for them.  Instead, have them stick to a specific list you and your child create. 
• Of course, there can be surprises, but make sure their surprise is actually something they will not use.  This usually does NOT include the latest, greatest toy that they will play with once and then move on.

Personally, I really like the idea of teaching kids how to live a more minimalist, organized life from an early age.  Maybe they will develop habits that will prevent them from being an adult and having to learn the skills then.  Like I had to!

Until next time, continue living the #BCOdream!

Casey Mondle

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