It’s no secret I love celebrations! And guess who just had a birthday? Me! It was absolutely perfect! Family called and sang Happy Birthday to me. Friends reached out either by snail mail, social media or live. I was surrounded with love. It was the perfect day and none of it had to do with the traditional material things. I told people, no gifts, but folks want to feel like they have something they can do to show you how they feel about you. Isn’t that the point of gifts in the first place? All of this got me thinking about enjoying holidays while living tiny.
I have found holidays are richer since going tiny. There is no more room in the trailer for stuff! I used to stress out and get caught up in the hype of gift giving, holiday traditions and holiday decorating. I had a love hate affair with the whole process. Since living tiny I have given up the drama and expectations.
Biodegradable decorations can add a fragrant touch and don’t have to be packed up. I like to use a simple clear jar for any celebrations and put different types of items inside like homemade fudge at Christmas, Colored Eggs at Easter, A fresh bouquet of my favorite flowers for birthdays, or some pretty pine cones in the fall. Finish it off with some ribbon tied into a lovely bow and I start feeling like Martha Stewart! I add my favorite holiday music for a nice ambiance, and once in awhile I do take advantage of my truck storage.
I remind myself, the best things in life aren’t things. People love that you want to be around them. Give your time. What a treat it was to find loved ones honoring simpler ways of celebrating, for the same purpose. I try to communicate how important to me you are, and just what I love about you. Holiday cooking of favorite dishes, and making homemade cards while enjoying holiday beverages, and a movie in the background is fun. I’m glad I kept my festive holiday mugs. Holiday light tours are all over the country. Go solo or with friends in the area or take part in seasonal sports for fun, whether your thing is snow skiing or snowshoeing at New Years, or paddle boarding to the middle of the lake to watch the fireworks for the Fourth of July.
Feeling a little lonely, I figure out who else is and host an ‘orphan’s’ Holiday for them. The name helped me laugh a little at my self and realize I’m not alone. Laughter is always a welcome addition. Go potluck style. Don’t forget about Caroling at Christmas, or you could throw an egg themed party at Easter where you paint eggs, bring egg themed dishes, and watch egg themed movies. Yep, watched “Cool Hand Luke” for Easter one year. Homeless shelters, soup kitchens, donate to a cause, toys for those in need are great ideas. Taking the focus off of me fills me with gratitude.
One favorite tradition from a friend is to travel out of the country on U.S. holidays. Folks in other countries know it is a U.S. holiday, and are intrigued that you are visiting their country, which often results in them rolling out the red carpet for you.
And if I must resort to material gifts, I have found gifting a new experience related to a hobby, can be a hit. Be creative! Go for the Kindle or Audible books rather than hard books that take up space and add weight to the trailer. Don’t underestimate the joy of a gift card from the Airstream Store, or Camping Club Memberships. Of course if we really listen, folks will give us hints of material things they do want. Think tiny and add a receipt.
These are just a few ideas from me. You all are the real experts! Please share your ideas in the comments. Most importantly do things that have meaning to you! How have you taken the holiday focus off of the accumulation of stuff?
Tiny Adventures of Elisa MG 