Decluttering Before the Holidays + How to Have a Minimalist Christmas

Decluttering Before the Holidays + How to Have a Minimalist Christmas | Dawn of The Minimal Mom

Рет қаралды 60,436

Жыл бұрын

The joy of giving and receiving gifts is such a beautiful part of Christmas, but this time of year can quickly leave our homes overflowing with clutter. Dawn of The Minimal Mom joined me earlier this year on the podcast to chat about decluttering and minimalism, and you all loved our conversation, so I knew this topic would be a perfect opportunity for Dawn to join me on the podcast again! We chat about making Christmas fun and exciting for our families without getting caught up in the accumulation of stuff. But don’t let the word “minimal” fool you; this discussion is less about how minimally decorated our homes look and more about how truly peaceful our homes feel. If you are ready to embrace the upcoming holiday season without the stress and overwhelm, this conversation is for you!
In this episode, we cover:
- The secret to making your home feel festive for Christmas without going overboard
- How minimalism benefits everyone in the home
- How you know it’s time to get rid of a certain toy
- Giving our kids the lifelong skill of learning how to manage their stuff
- Preparing your family for Christmas so you don’t end up drowning in clutter
- Why our kids’ view of stuff is different than past generations
- Shifting our mindset around what makes Christmas truly meaningful
- Helping our kids through comparison and disappointment at Christmas
- Inspiration for family experiences that can make the holidays memorable
- How to navigate receiving gifts that you don’t want to keep in your home
- Number one strategy for staying on top of clutter around the holidays
- How to know if you have too much stuff
Thank you to our sponsors!
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ABOUT DAWN
Dawn is married to Tom, and they have four kids ages 8 through 13. They have called themselves minimalists for about seven years now and couldn't imagine living any other way. And because it's had such a positive impact on their lives, they enjoy sharing tips and tricks to help you simplify your home quickly, too.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Decluttering by Faith by Dawn Madsen and Diana Kokku: www.theminimalmom.com/store/D...
Dawn’s interview with Dr. John Deloney about the link between anxiety and clutter: • How to get Instant Fre...
CONNECT
Dawn Madsen of The Minimal Mom
Website: www.theminimalmom.com
KZfaq: / theminimalmom
Instagram: / the.minimal.mom
Facebook: / minimalmom
Podcast: www.theminimalmom.com/podcast
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone
Blog: www.farmhouseonboone.com/
KZfaq: / farmhouseonboone
Instagram: / farmhouseonboone
TikTok: / farmhouseonboone
Facebook: / farmhouseonboone
Pinterest: / _created
Join us in the Simple Farmhouse Life Facebook community: / 748012922264552
GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE
Listen to this podcast episode: anchor.fm/simple-farmhouse-li...
View full show notes and transcript on the blog: simplefarmhouselifepodcast.co...

Пікірлер: 89

@dabosshere Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the insight ladies! As a 57 yr old I need to add this tid bit, I can honestly tell you I do not remember one gift I received as child of 8 yrs old at Christmas BUT I do remember decorating the tree at grandma's house with fake snow! Helping my mom make matching holiday dresses for myself and my sister( little house on the prairie inspired) memories last!! ❣️🥰

@michelleprice5945 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing that! The dresses sound wonderful.

@calebandannalenz8358 Жыл бұрын

I listened to Lisa and Dawn at the beginning of the year. At the time, my husband was spending weeks out of town and I needed to figure out how to get our tiny house under control. I was moving stacks of stuff from surface to surface and finally realized we didn’t need a bigger house, we needed less stuff! I’ve spent almost this entire year clearing out the unnecessary. It’s been fantastic and I’m so thankful for Dawn!! (Went through all of her videos at night after my kids were asleep!)

@michelleprice5945 Жыл бұрын

Way to go!!

@amandalashley3819 Жыл бұрын

It's amazing how kids can entertain themselves with literally anything. I bought some rechargeable tea light candles for home decor, and they came with these odd plastic tube votive things to go inside. Well, right now my kids' favorite thing to play with are my decorative tea lights and those plastic votive tubes. They go in their bedroom, close the curtain, turn off the lights, and play with their dinosaurs by candlelight🤣They also like to use the tea lights with their magnet tiles to make lanterns.

@ArrowHillCottage Жыл бұрын

two of my favorite You-tube ladies in one place?! Yes please! Merry Christmas to you both!

@sooper109 Жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly!!!!!!

@ImLunaShesZeta Жыл бұрын

I love finding your YT comments. I love watching your channel.

@caitlyndawn 7 ай бұрын

Lisa asking the best questions! Dawn with the best answers! Dynamic duo

@Hinoki352 Жыл бұрын

One thing I am SO THANKFUL to have learned from Dawn is that kids are so much more open to the idea of “less” than we would expect. (Even if they don’t realize it sometimes) I started having the conversation with my 5 year old daughter several weeks ago that we are going to do WAY less presents this year and focus on doing things together, crafts, making things for our friends and family, etc. - I expected at the very least to have some questions (“we’re not getting ANY presents?”), but to my surprise she has been totally 100% on board. Like, she has even made comments about taking the focus off of “stuff”…. I am blown away. I am just leaving this comment to express my appreciation for the inspiration and solidarity of wanting to take the focus off of materialism and raising kids in an authentic way that isn’t about “stuff.” It is really hard sometimes (not wanting them to feel left out/disappointed/etc. like Dawn was saying) and I so appreciate you guys. Thank you.

@elizabethgridley8587 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for having Dawn on again, she’s such a valuable resource to all moms!

@Simplefarmhouselife Жыл бұрын

of course! I love having hearing her insight

@heathervertolli5646 Жыл бұрын

The lightbulb 💡 just clicked for me when you mentioned the connection with ADHD, OCD & anxiety…which my daughter has suffered with all of those for years. My daughter is the only grandchild with my ex MIL. From day 1, my MIL has bought her an overload of gifts for birthdays and all holidays and everything in between…makes soooo much sense!! Thanks for sharing…even the littlest comments help monumentally!! ❤

@lisamonalisahikes Жыл бұрын

The one thing we keep a large inventory of is Books. We read a lot in our house and during lockdowns they were a saving Grace… library was closed. We were able to bless other family’s with them as well. We do pair down the books often but we have a large inventory… but it’s something we use. But we have been letting go of “stuff thru the house”. I do agree we are happier with less and we have a clean house and use what we have.

@servantwarrior880 Жыл бұрын

As a home schooling family of seven I also go big on books. Our five little girls do not like digital books and read extremely quick. Also, the closest library is an hour drive round trip. We will start donating books once our youngest ages out of them.

@KarenAnn_2007 Жыл бұрын

I have to agree. Ever since I have found Dawn, I have simplified my home. It's so much easier to take care of it now that I don't have a lot of "stuff" to manage. With the holidays coming we talked to our teen daughter and let her know we were scaling back on Christmas. We asked her what she wanted and she said"Honestly, I have everything I want. " The one thing she wanted was new flip flops. Her favorite flip flops have worn out so she wanted a new pair. Even though it's cooler she still wears them on warm days . Anyways so we ordered her a few. One thing she's been doing is creating games for her and her friends to play. Instead of her having lots of toys she creates games with toys she already has. Her imagination has grown significantly. We also do acts of service for each other for Christmas instead of buying lots of stuff. It's very rewarding not to have stuff that is not used lingering around.

@rebeccaknudsen6190 Жыл бұрын

My work friend gives her children 3 gifts, one they need, one they want and one she wants them to have.

@tgayer1 Жыл бұрын

Dawn is awesome and has had a HUGE impact on my life in so many areas!

@lisamonalisahikes Жыл бұрын

At Christmas we give a book, music, something I make, need and adventure (fun activity) stocking is filled with stuff that is used daily… shampoo, brush, socks and a special chocolate or hot coco. We do not give big $ gifts. My daughter needed a computer for school online- I just feel if it was given as a gift I’d always be competing with that every year. When I had no money… I made my daughter crowns for Christmas. She loved them… I made them with stuff around the house. Don’t compete… just love your kids… spend time

@brooketeague4985 Жыл бұрын

I almost didn’t watch this episode because, “I’ve watched the Minimalist Mom and I get the gist of it” but I’m so glad I did because I still walked away with some wonderful insight! You two ladies are great. I love both of your perspectives of mothering. Thank you for sharing.

@janmorrison4141 Жыл бұрын

Two of my favourite bloggers talking about real life. Both of you have very different styles but at the heart level are as one! Thanks!

@itoshiibaka8267 Жыл бұрын

I totally agree with high impact decor!! I added a giant wreath over the mantle and some plaid pillow covers and a brass centrepiece on the table and it's so easy! There are a few other little things. One day I'd love to find the perfect snow globe. But I had been thinking of a holiday-themed blanket for the sofa and realized that we have a furry-looking blanket I usually keep upstairs that was once gifted to us. It's perfect! I don't need more. The wreath especially makes a big impact!

@meschouxpetits Жыл бұрын

What a great episode! Thanks for all you put out there, Lisa! In an internet world full of digital clutter, your content is so consistently useful, practical, and fun to listen to. Dawn was an awesome guest!

@melodylewis1354 Жыл бұрын

Dawn is my first channel I ever watched. Glad you had her on. Enjoy your channel as well have a blessed Christmas season

@tanjaaufdermaur2715 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for that interview it was great! 😍 Little story: I was so glad yesterday to get all my gifts (mostly eatable) out of my apartment (2 bags) and at the end of the night I came home with my 2 bags full again😂😂😂😂. But it's cool stuff and is already put away so it's not standing around for weeks🙄.

@kittenmixer812 Жыл бұрын

You look and sound like Scarlett Johansson. Great video. Thanks for sharing!

@SF-ru3lp Жыл бұрын

Super new book Dawn and Diana! It's so true... decluttering brings us into 'areas' of our experience, memory and emotions that need to be brought to the Lord. Fir me this involves expressing regret, apology for trusting in the Thing rather than the Lord, asking for grace to move forward... then the moving out of the items cones easily. Gid bless all. Lovely conversation both! Thank you both. Every blessing. G Ire

@marywillette71 Жыл бұрын

You two are wonderful moms, great job, its not easy being a parent now adays! and time together with your kids is a priceless gift.

@Veveve743 8 ай бұрын

For Christmas gifts, I go 3 days before Christmas to the local farm supply store. They sell toys, clothes which are usually discounted by then. I tell the family whatever the Lord wants us to have, it’ll be there. I’ll get a couple of things for everyone. And for the stockings I get fruit and packaged treats from a grocery store down the street, since we usually don’t eat prepackaged snacks. I’ve done this for 2 years already and it’s so stress free for me, I love it. And the kids are excited to see what treasures the Lord provided for them. So people still get presents so they are content and don’t feel like they’re missing out because yes their friends get lots of gifts, but it’s usually little useful stuff and a maybe a toy. They like the fun of it because they are in on it when I’m doing the shopping and it gets them excited.

@Simplefarmhouselife 8 ай бұрын

What a great system! Thanks for sharing with us.

@kateweatherwax6484 Жыл бұрын

Active toys make inactive minds. Inactive toys make active minds. Simple toys are often easier to tidy, better for the environment, last longer, and encourage an inventive and creative spirit in kids.

@elizabethcoates8942 Жыл бұрын

As a grandparent, I am not into buying tons of toys. Three of my Grandkids need rainboots, so I bought cute character ones and will use them as their stockings. One keeps talking about squishmallows, so I got one to put in them. Another is a toddler and I bought a small blanket to match his boots. I make goodies specific for the kids, so there will be some treats in each one. We do a tradition of a chocolate advent calendar for them. My other 3 asked for a specific item. The most expensive one(16 year old) asked for a $60 hooded sweatshirt.

@Sarah-qi1se Жыл бұрын

The vehicle is the "time will tell" bin...yes! 😂 I identify with that!

@tml3982 Жыл бұрын

This was so great! You are 2 of my favorite people.

@marram2852 Жыл бұрын

I decluttered Christmas things after Christmas last year and again putting things out this year. I enjoyed decorating more this year than I'm the past. Less is more!

@deannaperreault844 Жыл бұрын

I get how you need less stuff with 7 kids. I was 2nd of 7 kids but we had so little that we had no clutter. When I had 1 child he had the same toybox we had and it was overflowing. I wish I had realized that because it wouldn't have made it so difficult to get him to clean up his room. Merry Christmas 🎄

@servantwarrior880 Жыл бұрын

It is such a hard mindset coming from two older generations of depression era grandparents and parents. I literally have to tell myself every.single.time that it is perfectly OK to get rid of the pickle jar, the plastic one time use container of some store bought product, etc. I most certainly struggle with this. Also, 2020 and 2021 didn't help that mindset and actually set me back personally. I also really struggle with items my children have created. Dawn is so right on about the physical clutter causing anxiety....this is a daily issue for me.

@NaturallyCarol Жыл бұрын

We have gone to experiences too. This year we are starting a new tradition…taking our kids and grandkids on a trip for Christmas. They are overjoyed to get the time together instead of stuff.

@trishferrer8209 Жыл бұрын

Thank You so much for this wonderful video. I'm sorry for your loss. 😢 This video is helping me SO much! Dawn, you talk soooo fast 🤣 but I watch all your videos, and I adore you. Btw, I call Christmas Eve Eve "Christmas Adam". Lol Oh, I was born/raised, always lived in TN, hence, the slower listening pace for me.

@aprilyeno1919 Жыл бұрын

Two of my favorite ladies!!!! What a great podcast!!! Thank you for sharing all of this wonderful information. Have a Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 enjoy ladies! God bless❤🙏🏻

@terumi829 Жыл бұрын

Amazing conversation 👍🏻thank you so much ❤️ I have 3 boys, hot wheels track , blocks, all that jazz 😂 glad to hear others relate 😁🎄

@thepositivepregnancyjourne2462 Жыл бұрын

The whole first 60 seconds of this set this whole thing up on a foundation of Gold. Love this one sis! Praise the Lord 💪

@vintagebeliever5023 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful chat.. thank you, ladies!

@samantharoseman4206 Жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh I love minimal mom! What a fun collab

@freeomelettefarm Жыл бұрын

I’m sitting here laughing to myself because I just sat down after recording the intro to a pre-Christmas kitchen declutter! Ok, now I can watch this (very timely!) video!

@jenp8501 Жыл бұрын

Dawn- Navy is a beautiful color on you. Stumbled upon this as a long time minimal mom watcher!

@theemarydee1610 Жыл бұрын

My kids are older than you two. Toys were not “packaged to death” so there were still a magic to opening them. Take the time to De-package your gifts. Buying used toys was just as exciting to them. During the season, my kids gathered items to take to donate. They learned to give. My kids did not believe in Santa. He was just another fun character like Mickey Mouse. So they knew someone picked it out just for them. (I wanted them to feel appreciation. NOT like the way my siblings and I acted…no thank you’s and the “keeping tract of the number if items each got etc) Let me say, my kids and myself NEVER had a big pile of items we individually owned to begin with. Now, Lisa, I’m the youngest of 10 I still hear the complaints how us little kids(8 year gap) And all they say are true! It’s also true that our home was had little piles of stuff here and there, our home was “clean enough” to be inviting. All were welcome. Both of my kids are conscientious parents like myself and you two. Bless you both💖

@elizabethcoates8942 Жыл бұрын

My adult kids are tight on money this year, so their main gift will be a grocery store gift card from us. Lisa, for one daughter I have also bought 2 half gallon jars similar to your gallon jar for her starter. She wanted 2 jars. Another daughter will get a storage container filled with stuff like laundry supplies, tp type items, along with a gift card.

@Simplefarmhouselife Жыл бұрын

all are amazing gifts! thoughtful + useful

@mollyv.9629 Жыл бұрын

This is GOLD ladies!

@hannahmcmillan5712 Жыл бұрын

Celebrating advent is something our kids always look forward to. We like watching the Nutcracker too.

@TheFamilyMinimalist Жыл бұрын

Two of my favorite people!❤🎉🌻

@ruthmgonigle5914 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I think I have got gift giving under control, and I don't have any kids. But what stresses me out are events and holiday themed parties. There is usually for each something different to wear, something extra to bring as food and a gift exchange. I overthink all of it. My best life has me the introvert doing one extra thing a week maybe two max. The pressure to have fun and socialize this time of year is actually very daunting for me. Each group feels the need to have a holiday version. For example next week I have 2 mandatory work events during the day, one family outing right after work with 7 adults, and my book group decided to add a walking light tour to our book exchange. This past week was doing something Christmasy walking around looking at lights after work and today is decorating the church and helping our friend and my husband prepare for a 20 person pot luck. The conversation to reduce activity too is so awkward when you already talked about no gifts.

@AM-bm2xw Жыл бұрын

Both of you are so great, it was nice to see you together!

@Lowenergymom Жыл бұрын

I. Absolutely. Love the precious insight. The "HOW to think about" decluttering when managing our lives; in respects to 'our inventory'.

@kimjaymama26 Жыл бұрын

My two favourite KZfaqrs!!!

@lindabinley574 Жыл бұрын

Excellent! 2 of my favorite KZfaqrs together, delivering high value. Lisa, you are an EXCELLENT interviewer! Great questions, follow up, and you didn't interrupt. I have already forwarded to my daughter, a mom of 4.

@gittofam6919 Жыл бұрын

I love Dawn!

@amymclin1759 Жыл бұрын

Yay! I love watching and listening to you both!!

@OurMessyHouse Жыл бұрын

Always a treat to listen to you ladies! So glad my viewer’s recommended you at the beginning of this year! ❤️ minimalism changed my life forever. Thank you for the solid advice.

@erinbisson918 Жыл бұрын

The comment "When I think of all the trips to the thrift store of decluttered stuff, and what my home would be like if I still had all that stuff" was so thought-provoking. I am not minimal, but have decluttered none stop over the last 18 years. I keep bringing things in like most people, but It's really a bag in and a bag out system. I go to the thrift store at least once a month with a bag or 2 of items. When I first started decluttering it was fill the truck, or stuff the van. I do not want any of that stuff back!

@lizzabbott Жыл бұрын

Terrific interview ! Been watching Dawn for 6 years or more ! This is my 1st time seeing you, Lisa & you are great, too ! Merry Christmas !!

@becca.carroll Жыл бұрын

Lisa!!! I appreciate your hard work. I have very often felt inspired to do the work God has given me to do with homemaking after watching your videos. I have become cast iron literate lolol and love learning about new things on your channel. If you ever decide to step away from the KZfaq grind you will definitely be missed but I'd be excited for you and your family for whatever would be next. Even though I'm enjoying holiday and winter content I'm definitely looking forward to spring. 🤣 All the best and Merry Christmas!

@rileymcclellan3316 Жыл бұрын

Loved listening to this Podcast! I listened while decluttering and preparing for our big move to our forever home. So much inspiration and food for thought!

@benevolenthome6638 Жыл бұрын

I needed this today! Thank you!!!!

@simplycj5460 Жыл бұрын

Have you thought about not doing stockings this year, or discontinuing them altogether? Instead of stockings, we celebrated the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. The kids would each put a shoe outside their bedroom door before they went to bed on the 5th, and “St. Nicholas” would fill them in the night. Shoes are much smaller than stockings and you don’t need much to fill them. It was nice not to have to worry about stockings on Christmas Eve.

@gittofam6919 Жыл бұрын

Love all these tips! Perfect timing :)

@rebeccakelly2651 Жыл бұрын

Such a great podcast--and inspiring !!! 🌲❤️🌲

@coris0923 Жыл бұрын

Loved the interview! We call Christmas Eve Eve ... Christmas Adam 😉👍🏼

@jamie86403 Жыл бұрын

This was great ladies! I’m excited to check out the devotional. Thank you!

@staciemurray514 Жыл бұрын

Two of my favorites☺️ all good tips

@victoriaflynn6506 Жыл бұрын

I agree with you most of the time. We are entering extremely hard times. We may be very happy for those people who like granny, hang onto usefull stuff. I think people are wise enough at this stage to realise many charity shops are laundries. So for now, I won't be throwing usefull stuff away.

@charmingintrovert3240 Жыл бұрын

Well Victoria, We will all someday leave this Earth taking absolutely nothing that is currently in our homes with us. You can decide if you want to live a more peaceful life with less belongings to manage or not, the choice is yours. But when you pass, your children or strangers will most likely discard everything anyway. So I am choosing to get a head start because if everything is "useful" and important, nothing is useful and important.

@victoriaflynn6506 Жыл бұрын

@@charmingintrovert3240 I agree with you, for the most part. During these hard times, I won't be getting rid of usefull stuff. Given all that we discovering about so called charities...I won't be donating to them. I'm sure many would agree there pricing is gone threw the roof. Charity begins at home. All the different local online sites...easy to give to the well deserved. Thanks for responding. Happy Christmas 🎄

@amywert8088 Жыл бұрын

Oh, yes! That really hits home. I would have loved my kids to have appreciated things more. For the reasons you have stated! I now realize, now they are adults, that it shouldn't be the goal. lol

@tarriehofman3431 Жыл бұрын

Lisa we call that Christmas Adam!😂

@melanieb2132 Жыл бұрын

Both my mother and mother and law love stuff and want me to keep everything they give me forever and they look for it. They are offended if I don't. And they look down on me for not keeping a spotless house. A comment from my mother in law. (I live in her old house). "It's not difficult to pick up toys, I put all my sons toys in this corner nook." I say, " You mean, they ALL of his toys fit in that space?." "Well, yes" she says... not picking up my hint.

@stephallen9819 Жыл бұрын

Wow. That's the thing they don't think of.their kids would have had much less!

@KathelleStrandom Жыл бұрын

🙈🙈❤

@ourafricanfarm Жыл бұрын

I also donated the hot wheels, my children play outside more now that they have less toys.

@mistybrunner1076 Жыл бұрын

My grandmother was a clean freak and as a result, my mother determined she was going to do things differently and enjoy her life rather than spend it cleaning. She lives in a fairly messy, cluttered home. I love decluttering and want to teach it to my kids, But sometimes I worry that it will backfire. Instead of teaching my kids how to live minimally, I may actually be setting them up to become hoarders because if they live their childhood worried that their toys/belongings may be purged at any time it might spark a revolt. 😅Anyone else worry about this?

@charmingintrovert3240 Жыл бұрын

My father is a hoarder because his mother used to throw away his belongings when he was at school. I am a very enthusiastic minimalist that loves to declutter. When my sons were young, I would feel overwhelmed by their excess so I would take it upon myself to declutter and tidy when they were at school. Now I am sorry to say that my young adult son has taken after my father and is sadly a hoarder who lives on his own in a very dysfunctional way. Yes you have a very good point, there is reason to be concerned about our children wanting to live their lives the opposite of what they experienced growing up.

@ambermazmanian2695 Жыл бұрын

This worry is why I don't declutter my kids' things without their permission. I help them tidy and organize, and pay them $5 each time they fill an IKEA bag with stuff that they don't want but never force them to get rid of things.

@carriepinkduck Жыл бұрын

We don't buy things for our kids through the year except clothes/shoes two-three times a year. Maybe craft supplies from time to time? This helps us with clutter, budgeting, and keeping the holidays special.

@potatobob8657 Жыл бұрын

We like to call Christmas Eve Eve something else. It’s Christmas Adam lol

@clarisahernandez5280 Жыл бұрын

How do I minimize Christmas for my adult son that lives in a different state? Oh and his birthday's on December 25. Y'all gave me a great idea. Instead of a gift exchange people can donate any money they would like anonymously and then the host in turn donates the total to charity. Imagine sharing with your guests how much you were able to donate. Now I want to throw a party.