Despite a recent projection that holiday shopping will break records this year, I’ve been seeing a lot of online chatter about a totally different approach to the season. “Boycott Christmas!” some people proclaim. “No Black Friday, no Cyber Monday!” others urge. More than that, conversations are going around on Reddit, Threads, and other social media sites about ways to lower consumption this holiday season and focus instead on a simpler, more homemade, less flashy celebration.
In some ways, I think many of us were primed for an idea like this by our experiences during the pandemic, when staying home and celebrating in different ways from our usual expectations was a widespread phenomenon. But if memory serves me, there was also plenty of online shopping happening during that time – if we couldn’t go out and do things, we could at least buy a little happiness and have it delivered, right? This year’s trend feels different, with a real sense of frugality and re-centering our priorities behind it. And no matter why you might consider opting out of some of the retail craziness this year, or how you might personally feel about your ability (and willingness) to pivot totally to homemade gifts, there is something appealing about the idea of simplifying the season and trying to do more with less.
I’m personally reminded of when my husband and I were first married, and our bank account looked pretty much the way you might expect for a couple in their mid-20s who were still figuring out how to launch their careers. We decided we’d only do Christmas stockings for one another – no wrapped gifts – and set a budget limit of only $25 for each person. The game, we agreed, was to see who could be the most creative. And we certainly got some mileage out of it; we still talk about the year I slipped a note into his stocking with a phone number on it, which happened to be the “Callin’ Oates” hotline. It cost nothing, but ended up a priceless memory as he dialed and spent a happy morning laughing and listening to a medley of Hall and Oates classics.
Many years later, our circumstances have changed, and we’ve expanded our holiday gift-giving, but other things (like the fact that Callin’ Oates is still operational!) are much the same. We still try to prioritize fun, creative, and personally meaningful gifts over quantity or the latest fads. We still try to stick to a budget that makes sense for our family. And we still know that the best memories from a holiday are often the ones that involve no spending at all.
Dr. Anne Fishel and I talked about our thoughts on the homemade, low-spend holiday trend in a recent podcast episode. Check it out to get lots of ideas for gifts, food, fun, conversation, and ways to ensure the season feels festive and special no matter how you choose to handle your holiday shopping this year.
Podcast Episode 15: Handmade Holidays
And for plenty of additional inspiration, check out our Holiday Hub. Wishing families everywhere a meaningful, restful, and connected end of 2025. We’ll see you in the New Year!
Dr. Anne Fishel’s husband, Chris, makes these potato latkes every holiday season. They’re great on their own, or topped with applesauce, sour cream, or salmon!
Headed to a big gathering this season? Try this Holiday Dinner Scavenger Hunt to add a little fun and focus to a crowded social scene! (It’s especially fun for kids who might need a way to ease into an unfamiliar setting.)
This bundle of holiday conversation starters can help get everyone on the same page about what’s important to you as you plan your celebrations this year!
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