Harnessing The Spirit Of Christmas— Without Buying Things

Christmas is hands down my favorite holiday. I have loved most of everything about it since I was a little girl. I grew up in the life-size version of the town seen inside of snow globes,  in the mountains of Colorado. A true childhood dream; playing in the snow, building snowmen, and even cutting down our own Christmas tree in our backyard. Now that I am living in California, with my husband—a Southern California gentleman, we are not always in my hometown over the holidays. 

This year, we will be spending Christmas in Hawaii with Cole’s parents who retired there. Being that Christmas will be less of a snow-globe and more of a Luau vibe it has made me think about the “true spirit of Christmas” not being able to be in snowy hometown. When considering what it is that love about this holiday, it is the traditions. The twinkly decorations, getting cozy with warm drinks, the gorgeous instrumentals of Christmas songs, and being with family. 

What I am ready to move past though, is the consumerism that is tied up into this holiday. 

Last year was the first year that I told my parents I didn’t want things for Christmas but preferred that we spend our money on experiences. They listened for the most part but because of the constant pressure to spend, they still found themselves buying gifts. 

Now I am not against purchasing gifts altogether but rather, changing the frame-of-mind around buying. This means shopping small, second-hand, local, and from brands that are conscious. I was excited to spotlight these green Lily Earrings from Siizu—100% of the proceeds from their “Loyal Collection” goes to the non-profit organization Girl Rising. Not to mention they are ethically made, and fair priced. Their values align with mine and I know that buying them as a gift means my money is going somewhere bigger than the item itself. 

It’s interesting to me that this holiday became so much about buying gifts. Of course, if your love language is gift-giving then this is probably your favorite part of the holidays. But when I stand back and look at the madness it is not only the spending but also the manufacturing that makes me question what it’s all about. 

My aim this season and beyond, is to keep the spirit of family and love in my heart. As I move through this beautiful holiday I am relishing in all that I already have cherishing the adventure that is this life. Aiming to stay present and looking inward to what 2020 might bring.

How are you spending the holidays and what are your favorite sustainable gift purchases or ways to be gift-free? 

Photos by: Clarisse

Ethically-made Silk Slip Dress: Siizu

Earrings: Siizu

(100% of proceeds from the “Loyal Collection” go to the non-profit organization Girl Rising.)

Green Slip Dress: Reformation

Sweater: Second hand