Hey there,

Have you ever made a decision that felt so right in one season of life, only to change your mind later? That’s exactly what happened with how I approach holiday gift giving.

Years ago, I was 100% against experience gifts. Back then, it felt strange to “wrap up” my time or a day out as a present. For my young kids (think 7 & under), Christmas was about the joy of unwrapping something tangible, something they could play with immediately. I wanted to focus on giving them toys or gifts that excited them in the moment, not something abstract they had to wait months to enjoy.

But now? I see things differently.

As my kids have grown, their interests and understanding have evolved—and so has my perspective. Experience gifts have become a meaningful part of our holiday traditions. They create lasting memories, simplify the holiday chaos, and avoid adding to the clutter that can build up so quickly this time of year.

Why This Shift Happened

Looking back, both approaches made sense for their time:

• When my kids were younger, tangible gifts worked because they brought immediate joy. My toddlers didn’t grasp the concept of delayed gratification, and experience gifts would’ve been lost on them.
• Now that my kids are older, they love the idea of experiences. Whether it’s a zoo pass, concert tickets, or even a family trip, they see the value in something they can enjoy over time—and I love seeing their excitement.
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The beauty of gift giving is that it doesn’t have to look the same year after year. You get to adapt, grow, and make decisions that fit your family now.

>>Listen in to this 5, maybe 6, year old episode where I shared why I didn't do experience gifts.​

>>Listen to this about why I changed my mind!​

Let’s Talk About the Real Holiday Stress

It’s not just about choosing the right gifts, though—that’s only part of the equation. The real stress comes from the clutter that builds up all year. That’s why the biggest gift you can give yourself (and your family!) this holiday season is a decluttered home.

With a clear, organized space, you’ll:

• Feel less overwhelmed by the influx of holiday gifts.
• Create room for memories instead of piles of stuff.
• Fully enjoy the season, whether you choose traditional or experience gifts—or a mix of both.

Ready to Declutter Before the Holidays?

If you’re ready to simplify your home and your holiday season, Decluttering Simplified can help. This step-by-step course will guide you through four simple phases to declutter your entire home in just four weeks.

You’ll also get access to a special holiday mini-course with scripts for managing tricky gift-giving conversations—like how to kindly set boundaries with relatives who might go overboard.

​Click here to join Decluttering Simplified and create the space you need for a joyful, intentional holiday season.

Your holiday traditions can evolve—and your home can, too. Let’s make this season your best yet.

​
Krista