A Very Thriftmas Christmas!

Happy mid-November, my friends!

I’ve missed you.

And before I give you an update on all things life since giving birth to Smith, I’m just gonna jump right on in with the chorus of voices to say — hello! — the holidays are upon us!

If you’ve looked at your email promotions folder, or in Target, or at a Starbucks menu, you know it’s here.

How does that make you feel? For me, it’s hard not to get a sudden wash of overwhelm.

For a few years now, I have been fascinated with finding ways to keep Christmas as mindful, present, grounded, and enjoyable as possible, sometimes going against the grain to find what feels right for myself and my family. It has been a process and will continue to be as we continue to grow.

As women, we hold a lot during this season.

I’m feeling it. We want to make our homes festive, with timely decor, heart-warming seasonal meals, and plush blankets folded next to a stack of welcoming books under the glow of our Christmas tree. We want to make memories, so we make plans with our families (which can sometimes turn into a scheduling Rubik’s Cube) and buy matching jammies and research local light shows to enjoy.

And the piece de resistance? We. buy. all. the. gifts.

This year, in an effort to save money and maintain a level of internal peace — and for a bit of a challenge in thoughtfulness — we’ve decided to thrift as many of our Christmas gifts as possible.

That’s the kind of Christmas I can get behind!

Why?

First, it’s finite. I can’t just go out and get one more thing to fill out a gift. There is a financial cap that is much more clear than when roaming the aisles of Target for the 58th time! There is a peace that comes with the simplicity of buying secondhand, especially during the consumer-driven hustle of the holidays.

Second, it’s intentional. I have to consider each person I want to purchase a gift for, and write out the types of things they might like. Then, I have to search for them! It takes time to search, but honestly not much more time than online shopping. In fact, Facebook Marketplace feels a whole lot like online shopping with a curbside pickup! I feel like the real time-consumer in gift purchasing is planning what to get someone, not the actual shopping.

Third, it keeps my Want-Monster in check. If I have to think of things that I want, I will always be able to find something. All I have to do is crack open the pages of Magnolia Journal or look inside a Target, and suddenly I feel a sense of dissatisfaction until I get the stuff I want! From books to apparel to home decor, I can gather up a list so long full of items I might not need, and I might not even really want. Buying secondhand makes me think a lot more intentionally about items that will really improve my life with beauty, convenience, and joy. This year I’m asking for an espresso machine and a dutch oven, both items that can readily be found secondhand.

This Thriftmas Christmas idea is possible because of a few factors. We aren’t doing sibling gifts on either side of the family this year, so I don’t have to feel any awkwardness about buying secondhand there. And we aren’t doing 100% thrifted items — we are buying some normal new things like stocking stuffers (soap, undies, and small gift cards) and gifts for our parents.

We don’t really have any hard-and-fast rules, just an intention to buy less, think more, and stay more grounded.

What do you think about this idea? Would you ever try it?

How are you approaching holiday shopping this year?

Wishing you all clarity of mind, hope of special memories made, and peace that passes understanding this holiday season,

Sam

P.S. — Want more tips on how to thrift? I got you! Check out my post chock-full of my best tips on How to Thrift Like A Pro!

P.P.S. — Need some general gifting inspiration? Check out my post On Giving and Receiving Gifts for a shot of hope-filled inspiration!