Christmas can still be festive for the “minimalist”

By Willow Blythe

Artwork by Ella Benitone

Normally my chronic laziness doesn’t bother me, but I can’t help but feel like a holiday disappointment when all the houses in my neighborhood are extravagantly decorated with red and green lights and blow-up Santas. 

My Christmas tree will lie in three parts in my living room for at least a week; when I finally put it together, the ornaments won’t make it to the tree until after exams, and they will only be placed on the front side. Outside, the most I have the motivation to do is hang a wreath. Stockings are always saved until the last second. Do not ask me about outdoor lights because I don’t even know if there are any in the house.

Because of the disappointment I feel, I have compiled a list of“minimalist” Christmas hacks (which I definitely did not wait until the last second to make) for those who would love to spend Winter Break sleeping, but still feel festive on the inside.

1.  Too tired to put together a tree? Wrap your sibling or pet in tinsel!
   
2. Don’t want to unwrap electric lights? Plug them in and lay the heap on your table as a centerpiece!
   
3. Don’t have a nativity scene? Draw faces on empty soda cans and set up accordingly!
   
4. Can’t find any chestnuts to roast over an open fire? Bake some walnuts on your stove instead (does anyone actually roast chestnuts anymore?)!
   
5. Don’t want to go caroling? Sing along to “All I Want For Christmas Is You” in the shower!
   
6. Don’t have the time or energy to home-make gingerbread men? Buy a box of them from Kroger!
   

Christmas is about so much more than how nice your house looks. If you love stringing popcorn and untangling Christmas lights, that’s great! Nevertheless, nothing has to be complicated to be festive, and there is no wrong way to appreciate the holiday season.