How to Redefine “Enough” in the Holiday Season

Lately, I’ve been hearing the collective exhale from people everywhere—friends, strangers online, across the globe, all saying some version of:

“You know what? I don’t need anything this year.” “I’m so over all this unnecessary spending, going broke, and for what?”

The mass consensus: Let’s cancel all the holidays!

Woah Nelly! Hold up! Slow down!

Christmas is LITERRALLY my FAVE holiday. It was the time in my childhood that my mum (RIP❤️) was the least nuts, and in fact, full of cheer – brimming over if you will! Me and my sister could damn near do no wrong, and cancelling?… That ‘aint happening! Nope! #IWillFightYou.

OK fine. Calm down, cause this is what I mean. From what I’m seeing, no one’s really full-on canceling the holidays themselves. Not the joy, not the time off work (for those still lucky enough to have a job with a paycheck attached), not the moments with loved ones. That’s all still on.

What’s being canceled are the hundreds of gifts, costing hundreds of cash-money, that usually pile up under the tree. Yeah, those. Those aren’t happening for a lot of people. Except maybe the ones doing the latest Ralph Lauren Christmas trend. Sheesh, what next? And anyway, isn’t that just an OG Scottish Highland Christmas? #RipOff. #YouDoNotNeedIt.

Some are protesting the world we’re living in. Others don’t want to add to their own debt. Some are doing both—and just want to cancel the chaos of Christmas altogether. (And I’m saying “Christmas” here because it flows nicely, but really, this vibe stretches from Halloween through the New Year.)

We’re nixing the shopping lists that need spreadsheets to track. Skipping the marathon runs—on foot or online—to snag everything. Swiping credit cards like they’re not tied to real money, just for that brief dopamine hit or to prove something through presents and place settings.

So, the thought of adding more to an already burdened and burnt-out self? Nah. Eff that. People are skipping. And so am I… to a point.

I told my girls about the change in plans and why. Their texts back came quickly: big thumbs up. No shock, no sadness, no anger. And still the same excitement for the same fun time we always have, including me dancing in the kitchen, singing badly on video with my mates in the UK (Sade, you’re a real one!), and making food and memories together.

Experiences Over Extra Gifts

I still plan to get my girls a little something to open, as in something thoughtful and useful, hopefully from a small or local vendor. (If I can’t find what I need, I’ll go to my backup. I can’t list here because they are nosy as hell. They get it from me.)

Bills don’t take time off for the holidays, and life is still life-ing. The prices of everything? HELLA DELULU.

Add to that a tough job market, globally it seems—plus government furloughs and layoffs, and the idea of diving into the “holiday hustle”? Yeah, I’m not feeling it.

How about we make the biggest trend this season not what’s in your cart, but what’s in your heart? (Yeah, yeah, I know—sounds cheesy even to me. But I still mean it.)

How about…

• A sweatpants-and-sparkle Friends-giving?
• Swapping luxury gifts for local finds that feel just as luxe?
• Board games and booze at home for New Year’s? (That one stays, but maybe swap or share games with friends.)

Caveat: Potlucks are great if it’s close friends or family. Potluck with randoms? I’m gonna have to pass. I’ve seen too much in my corporate life. #ItsANoForMeDog

And honestly, tell me how this doesn’t sound not only good, but relaxing? Huh? Huh? That’s the kind of energy I’m down for.

We’re Not Canceling Joy—Just the Receipts

The sales emails haven’t stopped all year. 25%, 35%—they’ve been around like a bad smell. Sure, stock up on things you normally buy if the deal’s good; that makes sense. But another flatter-screen TV? Why? Seriously, why?

Maybe it’s time to ask why we’re spending so much money, time, and mental energy trying to buy joy instead of actually feeling it. Because rest, laughter, and connection often cost nothing, and yet, they’re worth everything.

Join the “Soft Reboot”

Not ready to hit a full Ctrl+Alt+Del on the nonsense? Start with a soft reboot. A gentle reset. A moment to ask what “enough” really means. Instead of chasing sub-par deals, chase peace. And remember, peace and simplicity don’t come with an after-pay plan.

We can’t fix every broken system overnight, but that doesn’t mean we can’t build small systems of care right where we live. And best believe, we the people can make significant changes to make an impact for the better.

The Reset

Maybe this is what reframing the holidays looks like. I’m giving it a try, and honestly, I’m really looking forward to it. More time with friends and family. More rapping and less wrapping. Heck yeah!

It’s not about tossing out our favorite memories or traditions. It’s about rebuilding them into something more grounded, more intentional, and more fulfilling.

And that’s something worth celebrating.

So what does “enough” look like for you this holiday season? Share the small ways you’re soft rebooting the season. It might spark someone else’s reset, too.