Experts suggest simpler holiday practices to reduce stress and clutter

The holiday season can lead to stress and clutter due to excessive shopping and decorations. A survey found that over a third of Americans went into debt during the 2023 holidays, often due to pressure to buy more. Minimalist author Joshua Becker suggests adopting simpler holiday practices. He recommends making decorations smaller and sustainable, using existing accessories instead of buying new matching outfits, and avoiding unnecessary kitchen upgrades for gatherings. Becker also encourages families to rethink gift-giving by prioritizing experiences over physical items. He advises open communication with loved ones about reducing clutter and suggests using saved money for more meaningful investments in the new year.