8 Ways to Make the Holidays Not About "Stuff"

It has begun! Along with the joy of festive music and making of holiday plans, we have also already been bombarded by the endless stream of commercials and advertisements that seem to come with the season. Many of these creative marketing messages tell us and our children that in order to celebrate the holiday season with joy we must by "stuff". Lots and lots of stuff. Decorative stuff. Food stuff. Gift stuff. Even special wrapping stuff for our gift stuff and new decorative stuff to serve the food stuff upon.

Now don't get me wrong, I love a good nostalgic commercial or gift idea as much as the next gal... but don't you agree that the messaging we receive has strayed far from what really matters?

We recently received an advertisement in the mail for a local chain store we visit on occasion. It was for a Black Friday special. The first fifty people through the door would receive a free moose stuffed animal. Our daughter clutched the ad and proclaimed that we simply MUST be one of these fifty. Nevermind that this would require us to be up at 4am, nor that she already has dozens of stuffy friends. The moose was cute... I'll give her that. But she was now quite distressed as I explained that this was not what the season was about, and that I could understand why she wanted it but it simply wasn't a priority in our family to rush around the day after celebrating our gratitude to acquire more stuff. All over an item she hadn't even been aware existed only three minutes prior.

Sure, one could dismiss this incident as a child's longing for more cozy friends, but how many times have we felt the same thing as an adult? We receive a targeted ad directly to the device in our hand, specifically for something we were talking about with a friend only yesterday. We are reminded of our wanting for that thing that will solve whatever problem we are having instantly, and it's on its way in a matter of minutes.

We were even enjoying a nostalgic show just a moment ago when an ad loudly pulled our attention, boldly proclaiming, "It's not Christmas without (insert company brand)." This imagery and audible message is everywhere. In order for us to celebrate the holiday season properly and for everyone to be jolly, we need to do this or buy that.

Regardless which of the world's 7 major religious holidays or even more cultural celebrations you may be partaking in, capitalistic mass consumption doesn't have to be at the center. Nor should it! According to this survey, over one third of Americans take on holiday debt in order to celebrate.

Instead of following suit, I invite you to join me in these 8 ways to make the holidays not about stuff:

1) Decorate With Mother Nature

Instead of filling your home with plastic decor and store-bought knick-knacks, step outside and let Mother Nature guide you. Gather pinecones, evergreen branches, dried oranges, driftwood, stones, or whatever your local landscape generously offers. Crafting with natural materials slows you down, reconnects you with the land beneath your feet, and brings a grounding, earthy beauty into your space. It’s a reminder that the season itself is already stunning and we can can embrace it by bringing a bit indoors. Live evergreen branches, dried oranges and cranberry garland, soft and natural candlelight... you'll have yourself a serene and grounding space that feels welcoming and natural.

2) Make Instead of Buy

There’s something deeply nourishing about creating with your hands. Whether you’re baking homemade treats, hand-pouring candles, making simmer pot jars, propagating your favorite plants, writing heartfelt letters, or crafting simple gifts with your kids, the intention and thoughtfulness woven into each creation becomes the real treasure. When we make instead of buy, we shift from consumption to expression and the process becomes just as meaningful as the offering itself.

3) Consider Second Hand

There is so much abundance already circulating in the world. Choosing second-hand — from thrift stores, antique shops, swap meets, or your own community — gives beautiful, once-loved items a second life. It reduces waste, saves money, and often results in more unique, memorable finds. Plus, there’s a quiet satisfaction in knowing your choices support a gentler impact on our planet.

4) Give of Your Time in Service of Others

The holidays become richer when we widen our circle of care. Offering your time — volunteering, making meals, helping a neighbor, reading to elders, or supporting a local shelter — becomes a gift that echoes far beyond the season. Service reminds us that generosity doesn’t begin in our wallets; it begins in our willingness to show up with compassion, presence, and heart.

5) Choose Connection Over Distraction

This season can feel like a whirlwind, but we can choose to slow down and savor what’s right in front of us. Put the phone in a drawer, pause the background noise, and turn toward the people you love. Linger over conversations, share stories, cook together, take walks, or simply sit in the same room without rushing. We love taking part in some of the free or low cost holiday activities in our community, such as horse-drawn carriage rides through town that begin at our local library.

6) Turn Off the Telly (and Pause the Scroll)

Screens pull us out of the moment more than we realize. By turning off the TV and pausing the endless scroll, we make space for more nourishing activities: reading with the kids, playing games, crafting, baking, or simply soaking in the quiet magic of winter. This small shift often invites creativity and deeper bonding and pauses the endless stream of ads telling us what we "need" to go buy.

7) Give/Share Ideas for Experiences Rather Than Things

Experiences leave imprints on the heart long after the wrapping paper is gone. Gift ideas like a nature hike together at a park that has yet to be explored, a special baking day, a family picnic or mini-vacation, a class your loved one has mentioned, a concert or local event, even a pass to a favorite museum or pool can keep on giving. Experiences deepen relationships and create memories that can last a lifetime. And often, they’re far more fulfilling and create more treasured memories than the latest gadget.

8) Remember the True Reason for the Season

At its core, this season is about light, reflection, gratitude, and love — not accumulation. Whether you honor a religious tradition, follow the rhythms of nature, or simply seek greater meaning in your days, let this be a time to return to what truly matters. Presence. Togetherness. Peace. Faith. Wonder.

When we get quiet enough to listen, the season speaks. These messages of truth are found in those little moments. The glimmer of our kiddos eyes when we do our "winter walks", putting on all our warmest attire and donning glowsticks... giggling as we pull them on their sleds around the woods or our neighborhood where a particular house goes all out with lights and yard decorations. Hugging our family members as the familiar smells of holiday meals waft over to meet us. Cozying in with a book you read together every year. Singing the classic carols with gusto. Creating those special little moments of intention and togetherness with our community. These are the moments.

Love and presence shared will forever hold greater importance than the "stuff". Let's share in the joy of the season by holding sacred what is most treasured to us!