Minimalism, Excerpt, Actionable, Noteworthy
Dec. 23, 2022
I hope you enjoy! (and learn something)
Minimalism
You know why I’m not a fan of giving or receiving a lot of stuff during Christmas?
Because it turns Christmas from a season of joy to a season of rush, hassle, and stress.
The damn Christmas rush. Ugh.
It’s a struggle to buy gifts, keep up with them, and commute to malls.
And no, don’t call me the Grinch. I love Christmas.
See?
It’s just that giving gifts and joining stuff (particularly unwanted ones) started to feel like a chore.
And everybody hates chores.
So this year or in the next years, try this.
Don’t force yourself with buying gifts at malls, attending parties, or joining activities when none of them excites you.
You know what’s better? Filling your Christmas with a bazillion amount of stuff but not that stuff.
Make time to sing karaoke, attend Simbang Gabi, laugh, play games, eat without guilt (but with awareness).
Turn Christmas back into the season of joy.
Excerpt
I don’t know about you but I don’t want a lot for Christmas. There is just one thing I need.
I don’t care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree…
See where this is going?
Yeah you do.
This week’s excerpt is from the Legendary Song by Mariah Carey. (Sorry Mr. Jose Marie Chan)
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
Don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking there upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas Day.
You sang it didn’t you? Even the second voice.
Yes? Nice.
You see, Mariah wants nothing but her baby this Christmas. She made that pretty clear.
And I don’t know about you but that screams minimalism for me.
Like her, I just want to be with the people I love this Christmas—my friends and family.
(But unlike her, I don’t want them holding on to me so tight.)
Bottom line: If you’re feeling the same, go meet your people, face time them, create a group call, just let them know you care.
And if ‘your people’ is a person, that’s more reason to do it.
Actionable
When you prioritize everything, nothing is a priority.
So this Christmas, what’s your focus, what’s your priority?
To have fun?
To unwind?
To reconnect?
To give gifts?
To make peace?
To make money?
Whatever it is, I want you to focus on that, and that only.
Do anything it takes to lead you to that goal, turn it into something you can bring for the coming year.
How to start? Let your closest circle know what you’re trying to do and just do it. (not sponsored by Nike)
Noteworthy
In case you’re having problems finding gifts, here’s something that might help.
I saw this from Joshua Becker, one of my favorite creators.
I keep mentioning that material stuff isn’t the best thing for Christmas. And this backs it up.
These are some gift ideas you can request or give on the 25th.
The best part? Their clutter-free plus memorable.
And that’s what we want to keep—not those additional mugs, picture frames, or shirts with incorrect sizes.
Listen, I know this is late.
It’s literally Christmas eve tomorrow and I’m sorry.
But guess what, you can use these ideas on birthdays, anniversaries, or heck, next Christmas.
So be sure to save this email or share this on social media.
That way you can easily check it when you need it.
That’s it for this week! Remember: Do what you want to do and spend time with your loved ones.
Celebrate Christmas minus the bullshit.
Merry Christmas,
Johnrille