The Year of Living Minimally - Week Twenty-one

How are you holding up? 'Tis the season for stressing out. Well, not me. I'm not going to do it.Not this year.Here's our 'tree.' My Christmas cactus didn't bloom this year (it's fickle that way), but I adorned it with little fairy lights and nestled one ornament in it - a sweet ceramic dove inscribed with Jim's dad's name. Jim received it from the funeral home that held a lovely memorial service for all the family members who'd lost loved ones this year. It seems fitting to keep things simple this year. We'd scaled way back on our decorations before this year, but the little tree and the strands of lights will sleep in their bins for a bit longer.I've minimized my shopping, too. Give experiences, time, things that can be consumed. How about taking a friend to the movies? Lunch? Coffee? If you're a couple, decide on a getaway, or home improvement. I know some parents work with their children to donate gently used toys and games before Santa brings more - what a great idea!Jim did mention a couple of books, and he'll get them. Remember I donated a few boxes of books earlier this year? That was to make room for more books (haha). My sisters and brother-in-law will be able to eat and/or drink their gifts.Honestly, we have everything we need. Do you?For more insights about gift-giving, check out The Minimalists' post on gift-giving