Less is More, Charlie Brown

I grew up in the 70s waiting eagerly for the one time of year that the holiday specials would be shown on broadcast television. You see, young whippersnappers, we lived and died by the TV Guide schedule. We could not have our own copy of any of these shows to watch at our leisure on DVD, or even on a VCR. There was no pause or rewind-- you had to have your chores done and pajamas on to watch it or else!

I just had a lot of fun finding this tiny little snippet on YouTube-- the CBS Special Presentation graphics that usually led into these exciting shows. The music and the spinning words made my heart race with anticipation! (Comment if you know what I am talking about!)

When the Peanuts Christmas special aired, I always felt sorry for Charlie Brown and his little tree, but I was struck each time at how beautiful and meaningful it still was. The size of the tree made no difference-- it was about how everyone felt being together and celebrating.

As we progress into the final few frenzied days of shopping and preparing for the holidays, let's keep in mind the lesson of the little tree. Less is more. Fewer toys, more time spent playing together with them. Less stuff, more experiences. Less spending money, more spending time.

Consider spending one hour weeding out your possessions to make room for the new. This is particularly good to do with children and their toys, and your coats and sweaters can be lifesavers for those less fortunate. You can donate them to Goodwill or other local nonprofits (click here for a Goodwill donation site locator). Less is more.

Ask your family what is important to them about the holidays. You might be surprised to find out you don't have to be elaborate to get the same magical effect. It may be that drinking cocoa out of grandma's special Santa mugs is more important to your kids than winding the staircase with lights and garland. Less is more!

Happy Holidays!

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Comments

[Cathy]

I totally know what you are talking about. I used to feel the same way when I saw that graphic!

[jeanne]

I forgot all about that graphic!!!
I remember waiting my turn to look at the tv guide and circling the shows that I wanted to watch. Specials were a family event that ordinary activity stopped while everyone in the family watched.
Thanks for the memory!!

[Karen Morrison]

For many years, my grandson has helped me make a simple, but yummy batch of squares for his family. Last year, I hesitated to ask him about it, but he happily said, "Yes". I'm going to ask him today and am wondering what this "young man" of 16 will say. Either way, it has been a special holiday memory that I will always cherish. (I think he will too.)

[Lola Meyer]

Thanks for the walk down memory lane. And you are 'spot on' stating less is more. We are making more of our gifts to others 'time spent together'. Instead of buying stuff for friends in the neighborhood, we invite them over for a nice dinner or brunch fixed especially with their favorites in mind.

[Genny Esterline]

After your article for Connectionsforwomen.com last year about simplifying gift giving I took your advice to heart. I realized that we had made Christmas so big that it was setting up my children to go into debt each year just to keep up. They are all launching into their own lives now and debt enabling is not a trait to carry forward. So last year and this year we drew names (one of your suggestions) with the whole family, long time girl and boyfriends included. I put a $$ limit on what could be spent. Not only is it SUCCESSFUL but will now be a nice tradition for the future. A WIN WIN! Thank you again.

Genny
www.connectionsforwomen.com

[Lorie Marrero]

Genny, that is so great! I love hearing that you implemented one of the suggestions about simplified gift giving. We have also drawn names again this year and it is SO wonderful, so much less stressful.

- Lorie