How Megan Morton Is Downsizing Christmas
I usually go big at Christmas. In the past, I’ve been known to do such a big Christmas, I had to do a warm-up one as well. That won’t be happening this year. In fact, this year I suspect we will be slamming the brakes on many of the things we are conditioned to associate with Christmas – and we’ll all feel better for it.
No more of that grubby feeling when you can’t walk through your lounge room for all the paper and plastic, created in less time than it takes for you to drain a cup of Earth-destroying pod coffee. Instead, I’ll be looking for low-impact styling, using the species of beauty that is hidden in plain sight. Maybe there’s a lemon myrtle on your street that could provide the lead for the Christmas table. Garlic braids that could be hung from the ceiling or in between light fixtures. An outside tree in a pot that can be a repurposed Christmas tree.
No more of that mental conflict when you invite someone over out of family obligation, one inner voice grumbling that, “Blood can be overrated” while another insists, “It’s only four hours”. No more grimly clinging to that peacemaking mindset as we push through those four hours – a mindset many of us used up getting through lockdown.
Wherever we find ourselves this Christmas, I think, we will choose more wisely. My hope is that when we gather at the table, it will be with love for every single person there, with appreciation for the delicious food and with a sense of sharing gifts that are both Earth-conscious and meaningful. Maybe you have always conducted yourself in this spirit – or maybe, like me, maybe you have a long way to fall.
For us, the holidays will have a new focus, with our daughter – who moved to Melbourne this year – coming back home. And so this year, I am attempting a no-shortcuts rule. This will be the guiding light over every choice: what we eat, who we eat it with and what we bring to the tree.
The day will unfold differently. I will buy a family game for us to master together; if the weather permits, our slow, simple lunch will be followed by a swim. My ice-cream making skills were honed during COVID (I so didn’t see that one coming!) and that will be my real gift to the family.
I so hope you and yours celebrate in peace and joy.
Three ways to do Christmas differently
BUY LOCAL_ Skip the giant retailers and buy your loved one a voucher to their local bookshop, pre-pay a weekly coffee at their local coffee house, or find a local roaster and give the gift of real beans and a stovetop coffee maker.
POOL TOGETHER_ Our extended family is pooling money to give each member the one gift they really want. Gifts will be delivered in time for Christmas and we will have a multi-state, show-and-tell gratitude party over Zoom.
WRAP IT UP_ No more wrapping paper; consider using pillowcases that may already be in your linen cupboard instead. Google “furoshiki” to discover how to make simple wraps without paper or sticky tape that look so very beautiful under the tree.
Words_ Megan Morton
Photo_ Keila Hotzel /Unsplash