Ever felt like you have way too much stuff in your life? I do and it’s causing me unnecessary stress.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit, but I’m a hoarder. I keep cereal boxes and even toilet rolls thinking that I’ll use them for craft work with my daughter, someday, someday…
Plus I’m a huge sucker for pretty home decoration and knick knacks. I also believe that a girl can never has too many pairs of shoes and a wardrobe should be well equipped for just about any occasion. And it doesn’t help that I have itchy fingers that like to dabble in new craft projects every now and then (my latest pet project is December Daily and I’m embarking on Project Life). And as a result, my house is threatening to burst at the sides…
And so for my 2014 New Year resolution, my new mantra is “Less Stuff, More Life“.
My husband was more than happy when I shared this with him. I thought I even saw his thought bubble with a huge, “It’s about time!” complete with a huge exclamation mark.
While it may be too early for New Year resolutions, it’s a good idea to think about what you want for yourself in the brand new year. I’m resolving to be intentional and purposeful with my life, time and energy. That would also means that
I will have to say no to some things in my life so that I can make space for things that truly matter.
I’m making a choice to do things that will add joy and contentment to eliminate stress and tiredness so that I can enjoy more life and go the distance.
Gifting the gift of an experience
And on that note, I’m doing something different for this Christmas. Instead of giving presents all wrapped up in a box and fancy paper, I’m choosing to give friends and family the gift of an experience. In our society, most people around me don’t need anything (though they may have plenty of wants). And I think what will make it meaningful is to gift them an experience be it a cooking class, a play or maybe even a meal lovingly prepared for them.
Here are some ideas I came up for my own gift giving:
- For a child, a membership to the zoo, or field trip. Even a membership at an indoor playground will be received.
- For a spouse, love coupons for monthly, or up it to weekly, dates. Or how about a spa package that you both can enjoy? 🙂 And if they like the arts, then a play, musical, concert or even movie treat will be much appreciated.
- For a friend who’s also a parent, a night of babysitting will be so so appreciated.
- For a coffee fan, a list of new cafes that have popped up so that they can go cafe hopping.
And since my hubby’s birthday is before Christmas, he’s the first recipient of my experience gift! I can’t wait to surprise him with what’s in store.
Have you finished all your Christmas shopping? If not, perhaps you’ll like to rethink your gifts and challenge yourself to think out of the box and give someone an experience rather than a wrapped up gift. Let me know how it works out, if you do!
This is an original post to World Moms Blog by World Moms Blog contributor, Susan Koh, of Singapore.
Photo credit to World Moms Blog.
A fellow toilet roll hoarder here!
But I agree with you.
I try each year to have my family give us and the kids non-material-presents. But it seems a difficult concept to grasp for some…
Yes, but thankfully my daughter has caught on to it and for her Christmas gift, she’s requested for in-link skating lessons! I couldn’t be happier.
I’m a “hoarder” by upbringing – growing up was a roller-coaster of having plenty and having nothing (my late father started and bankrupted more companies than I care to remember)! I still find it very difficult to part with anything that “might be useful one day”! The irony is that, way too often, I can’t find the item when I need it, so end up buying another one anyway! 🙁
Your idea of giving experiences is a lovely one. One year (when money was particularly tight) I took the time to write a personal poem for each member of my family and giving that to them (printed on pretty paper and tied with a bow). I was surprised at how well-received my gifts were that year. 🙂
Your gift of a personal poem is such a lovey gesture and I bet lots of thought went into it. In Singapore, many are more than sufficient in terms of having their basic needs met and we tend to take for granted what we have. I feel sad that Christmas is just fanning the consumerism spirit and the true spirit of Christmas is lost.
I love giving and receiving gifts of experiences. I have given cooking classes, massages, golf lessons, mani/pedis, date nights, theatre tickets. One of my most memorable gifts that I received from my husband was a chocolate making class – it was so much fun! Good luck with de-hoarding (I have a really hard time with that as well) and happy holidays!
Hi Maman, those are great experiences to share. In fact for hubby’s birthday, I’m gifting him with tickets to a musical by a local production to support our local arts.
I do think I’ll need help and will take baby steps.. Merry Christmas to you too!
Brilliant gift ideas!
Sounds familiar! somewhere in there is ME, my best most recent gift was a “Banoffee Tart” – sounds daft doesn’t it? It was my birthday present from a colleague who new how much I loved these. She was on maternity leave and came in especially for my birthday with the Tart. That gesture meant more than a expensive gift for it was the thought and time put into a simple treat that spoke volumes. Less is more for sure.