For our January experiment, Greg and I are taking on a month of No Spending, or a use-up-what-we-have month.

A few years ago when we were struggling a bit financially and trying to simplify, a simple rule really shifted our spending habits: no shopping. We didn’t buy anything other than the essentials for a whole year. It obviously impacted our financial state but it also helped us revise our relationship with stuff and consumerism. Over time, we’ve lightened the parameters and now we’re pretty comfortable with our current budget and shopping habits. That said, it never hurts to reevaluate those relationships or refresh a habit to see where we currently stand. (We’ve had a few unexpected trips come up so saving a little extra this month is certainly welcome. ;)

So for January we’re going to try to not spend money outside of a few essentials. Now is a great time to take stock of what we currently own and use up the leftovers from previous years before we start acquiring new things. To help with this No Spending challenge, we’re going to plan meals around the food in the freezer and pantry, supplementing with produce and staples as needed. Same for the bar ;) We’re going to use up any toiletries or candles that made their way into our lives. We’re going to play the games and read the books in our queue before ordering new ones. And we’re going to try to take advantage of some gift cards and the free activities offered by a few local memberships and also by nature.

This isn’t about deprivation as, after last year, this year is about life for us. We’ll still buy some groceries and eat out a few simple meals a week. I’ll still pay to ride the bus and perhaps fill the car with gas but we’re going to focus on enjoying what we already have as we make space for the new year.

An appropriate activity for 12/31 and 1/1: going to the snow and enjoying a free walk in nature!

+ Reflections on our December Habit: Advent: It was a festive month and we didn’t dread it at all! Our adult, experience-based advent calendar ended up being super fun and a great way to stay focused on the joys of the holiday season (and not on the difficulties). It was helpful to have a mix of smaller, easy options along with more involved ones. It also helped to pencil in options for each day so we could prepare if necessary. There were a few days where we got overwhelmed and didn't find the time to do an activity but there were also days where we did two activities from the list. Success, I see this being a yearly tradition!

We're almost there... Christmas, with the gifts and the wrapping and the unwrapping and then the trash. :/

I buy fewer physical gifts these days than I used to as I prefer to give my time, experiences or consumables (like our awesome honey!). But there are still a few occasions (like Christmas for nieces and nephews) where I'm not ready to give up wrapped gifts all together. I now produce less waste around the holidays but I'm still not up to Bea's amazing zero-waste standards.

My family has always been creative when it comes to gift wrap. My dad once even wrapped a guitar case like a giant snowman and had everyone fooled! So I grew up with and cherish the thoughtful presentation of gifts, but I also don't want to purchase, store and discard all of the gift wrapping supplies. Instead, I give you...

My Lean Wrapping Essentials:

1. One small exception to my paperless home is a roll of recycled brown paper that I use for wrapping, packing, and shipping. Brown paper can be used for any holiday, can be decorated or drawn on in any way, and is both 100% recycled and 100% recyclable! Oh, and it's like $5 and lasts me at least two years. Win win win.

2. I also keep a spool or two of real ribbon on hand... usually in a color that I can use at Christmas and throughout the year like green, red, gold, silver, blue or white. The ribbon dresses up any wrapped box and can easily be reused.