Amid the festive excess that characterises the holiday season, it’s common to overlook the genuine significance of Christmas for Christians – commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Combat consumerism by embracing Christian minimalism and refocus on faith to joyfully centre both heart and home. Join this transformative journey to simplify, reflect and joyfully celebrate our Saviour’s birth.
What is minimalism?
Embracing a minimalist lifestyle involves purposefully choosing fewer possessions and prioritising essentials that spark joy. This approach liberates individuals from the pressures consumerism can bring. ‘Christian minimalism’ aligns with simplicity, sacrifice, giving and love, emphasising meaningful pursuits over materialism. Minimalism prioritises significance, encouraging spending time and effort on what truly matters without advocating austerity or unnecessary suffering.
THE CHALLENGE
1. Prayerful reflection
Set aside time to contemplate the significance of Christmas and express gratitude for the gift of Jesus Christ. Consider completing an examen, creating a communal ‘You, who, do, through’ prayer, having a C.H.A.T. with God (confess, honour, ask, thank), or creating a five-fingered prayer with young children.
2. Simplify gift-giving
Consider gifts that hold spiritual or personal significance. Offer the gift of time, service, or a heartfelt expression of love to friends and family. Bake, make and grow gifts with your children, so that they understand how to infuse gift-giving with a personal touch.
3. Acts of kindness
Engage in activities that reflect Christian teachings. Assist neighbours in need, volunteer at a local charity, or reach out to someone who may be lonely. Can you spare some money or items for the needy? Your efforts can be small, because when Christians work together, we make a big difference. If you are a parent, make sure your children see you do this, so they learn from your example.
4. Advent devotions
Set up a simple Advent wreath and take a mindful moment each day to read scriptures, pray, meditate or reflect on the anticipation of Christ’s coming. It does not have to be onerous, just spend five minutes centring yourself and/or your family.
5. Gratitude journalling
Start a gratitude journal and document the blessings in your life. Reflect on the gifts – big and small – that God has bestowed on you. Gratitude practices have documented mental health benefits.
6. Worship your way through Advent
Communal worship allows you to join fellow believers in joyfully anticipating the birth of Christ, fostering a sense of community and shared faith.
7. Share the stories
It’s a good season for adults to spend a few minutes reminding themselves of the story of Jesus’ birth by reading from the Gospels before bed. If that doesn’t appeal, why not watch a film or documentary about Jesus’ life as part of your Christmas viewing traditions?
Children enjoy hearing the unusual and exciting story of Jesus’ birth. As you read from a colourful children’s Bible or picture book, why not reminisce about your child’s birth and compare it with that of Jesus?
8. Fasting and simplicity
Take a day to abstain from certain luxuries or indulgences. Use this time to reflect on the discipline of self-control and appreciate the richness of life centered on faith rather than material excess.
9. Go carolling
Connect with your Church community and deepen friendships by joining the choir and visiting local homes for the elderly, hospitals or singing to the neighbourhood. Children enjoy the experience too, as they form an understanding that sharing time and talents is a gift.
10. Faith-focused conversations
Engage in meaningful conversations with loved ones about faith, spirituality, and the deeper aspects of the Christmas season. Share personal insights and encourage one another in your individual faith journeys.
11. Stay up late on Christmas Eve
Enjoy the Christmas Eve services at your local church. If Midnight Mass is not your style, attend a service earlier in the evening. Children enjoy dressing up as an angel or a shepherd. All you need to do is make a set of wings out of cardboard that they can decorate or fashion a shepherd’s headdress out of a tea towel and some twine.
12. Break bread together
Follow in Jesus’ footsteps and use a simple meal to connect with family and friends. Embrace the Mediterranean way of eating by consuming an abundance of plant foods (fruit, vegetables and wholegrains), olive oil, cheese, yoghurt, fish and poultry. Cut back on red meat, make fruity desserts and avoid processed foods where possible.
So, why not challenge yourself to simplify celebrations this year emphasising the spiritual essence of Christmas to rediscover genuine joy and meaning? This intentional shift may just draw you nearer to the heart of Christmas, where the radiant love of Christ prevails.