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Roam and Thrive

Lifestyle

Christmas: Is it ok not to care?

(Last Updated On: December 22, 2018)

“Christmas is a baby shower that went totally overboard.”

– Andy Borowitz

Christmas is always portrayed to be a big deal. We see Christmas paraphernalia start to creep onto store shelves as early as September, streets and malls get decorated with lights and ornaments and the Christmas markets go up. Traditions tell us what to eat, who is spend this time with and what to do. 
All this hustle and bustle can often create an enormous amount of stress. We have family members coming over who we need to entertain, there’s the house to decorate and Christmas dinner to prepare, we want everything to be perfect for that special day. 

When I was a kid, as a family we didn’t go too crazy, we had the tree, some presents and a delicious Christmas lunch cooked by my mum but something was always missing. I didn’t feel any of that Christmas magic portrayed in the movies, TV ads or shop windows. I then realised that it doesn’t matter. Life is real, and that magic created by commercials was just that- a Christmasy feeling to draw customers in to buy stuff. 

Since I started travelling back in 2012, I’ve spent only one Christmas in the family home I grew up in. The rest, that’s five, I have been travelling and spending Christmas in places they don’t actually celebrate Christmas. When you’re not religious Christmas starts to loose its importance when you’re taken out of the Christmas bubble. I didn’t have Christmas decorations around me, no trees, no traditional food, no cold weather and it was easy to forget that Christmas was coming. Often, as a traveller, you are so immersed in the foreign culture you’re exploring you tend to forget about your own. Some years I didn’t even celebrate Christmas and that was fine, almost liberating. 

Now I live in Chile when I’m not travelling. They celebrate Christmas but it’s not as big of a deal as in the UK. What I still can’t get use to is the inverted seasons and Christmas in 30 degree sunshine. It just doesn’t feel like Christmas. I celebrate with my extended family and friends and we have a casual Summer barbecue. I don’t do decorations, trees or gifts. I’ve definitely found my Christmas style and what’s important to me and I’m happy with it but what I’ve learned along the way is that it’s ok not to care. 

Christmas differs for everyone and I love how varied it is for every person but what’s important here is to not get stressed, caught up in anxiety, expectation and spend money you don’t have on gifts. I have seen many people get into debt over the Christmas period and continue to pay for all those gifts way into the new year. Is it really worth it?

It’s ok to be a Grinch and not conform.

“Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall. We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall, then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space.”

– Dave Berry

Here are some of my quick tips for handling Christmas. 

  • It is what you make it. If you want to go all out then that’s fine. If you don’t that’s fine too. Focus on the things that matter to you.
  • Christmas is consumerist heaven and nowadays all that paper wrapping and plastic packaging contributes to a planet already swallowed by plastic. Try giving experiences as opposed to physical gifts and not to wrap gifts in disposable paper. 
  • It’s ok not to care about all the decorations, gifts, etc.
  • Don’t spend money you don’t have. Try find middle ground with buying the essential gifts. You can always be creative and make a lovely notebook or a friendship collage. Often these gifts are appreciated more due to the time and love that went into them. Ask yourself if you don’t mind going into debt over Christmas and if the answer is no then I’m sure your loved ones will understand.

Please comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts on Christmas and what you’re doing over the holidays.

TAGS:Christmas
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Standing over one of the hottest places in earth in summer. 🥵 Yet Death Valley still ending up being one of my favourite places on our West US road trip. There simply is nowhere else quite like it. Hot tip, pun intended, don’t go in the summer. #deathvalleynationalpark #deathvalley #deathvalleylove #deathvalleynps #deathvalleynp #californialove
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Don’t mind me, I seem to have buried myself knee-deep in the California archives. ☀️🌵 Forever one of my favourite places in California, Joshua Tree is full of energy, magic and just stunning scenery. If you haven’t yet been make sure it’s on your California bucket list. #joshuatreenationalpark #joshuatree #joshuatrees #joshuatreenps #joshuatreecalifornia
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Don’t mind me, I seem to have buried myself knee-deep in the California archives. ☀️🌵 Forever one of my favourite places in California, Joshua Tree is full of energy, magic and just stunning scenery. If you haven’t yet been make sure it’s on your California bucket list. #joshuatreenationalpark #joshuatree #joshuatrees #joshuatreenps #joshuatreecalifornia
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Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
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Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
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Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
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Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
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Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
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Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. #puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
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A little time out goes a long way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A little reminder to slow down, take some time for you and to really be. Here. With yourself. #wellnesstravel #spatreatment #spatravel #travelandbeyond #travelandleisure
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Because these moments are just too beautiful not to capture ✨ #travellerlife #quotestraveller #femmetravel #traveltheworldwithme #wellnesstravel
4 hours ago
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1/6
Standing over one of the hottest places in earth in summer. 🥵 Yet Death Valley still ending up being one of my favourite places on our West US road trip. There simply is nowhere else quite like it.

Hot tip, pun intended, don’t go in the summer. 

#deathvalleynationalpark #deathvalley #deathvalleylove #deathvalleynps #deathvalleynp #californialove
roamandthrive
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Standing over one of the hottest places in earth in summer. 🥵 Yet Death Valley still ending up being one of my favourite places on our West US road trip. There simply is nowhere else quite like it. Hot tip, pun intended, don’t go in the summer. #deathvalleynationalpark #deathvalley #deathvalleylove #deathvalleynps #deathvalleynp #californialove
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Don’t mind me, I seem to have buried myself knee-deep in the California archives. ☀️🌵

Forever one of my favourite places in California, Joshua Tree is full of energy, magic and just stunning scenery. If you haven’t yet been make sure it’s on your California bucket list. 

#joshuatreenationalpark #joshuatree #joshuatrees #joshuatreenps #joshuatreecalifornia
Don’t mind me, I seem to have buried myself knee-deep in the California archives. ☀️🌵 Forever one of my favourite places in California, Joshua Tree is full of energy, magic and just stunning scenery. If you haven’t yet been make sure it’s on your California bucket list. #joshuatreenationalpark #joshuatree #joshuatrees #joshuatreenps #joshuatreecalifornia
roamandthrive
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•
Follow
Don’t mind me, I seem to have buried myself knee-deep in the California archives. ☀️🌵 Forever one of my favourite places in California, Joshua Tree is full of energy, magic and just stunning scenery. If you haven’t yet been make sure it’s on your California bucket list. #joshuatreenationalpark #joshuatree #joshuatrees #joshuatreenps #joshuatreecalifornia
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Desert vibes 🌵

Take me back to those desert sunsets and all those amazing houses in Palm Springs. 

#palmsprings #palmspringsstyle #palmspringslife #palmspringsca #palmspringshomes
roamandthrive
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Follow
Desert vibes 🌵 Take me back to those desert sunsets and all those amazing houses in Palm Springs. #palmsprings #palmspringsstyle #palmspringslife #palmspringsca #palmspringshomes
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. 

#puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
roamandthrive
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•
Follow
Our Curated Guide to Puerto Vallarta Mexico is finally up on the blog! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Find out all the best places to visit and get away from the crowds, the resorts and the noise. I’ve given away all the best beaches (including the one in the last slide), hidden gems and stays in this post so if you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta soon, make sure to check it out! Link in bio. #puertovallarta #puertovallartamexico #puertovallartajalisco #puertovallartaphotographer #rivieranayarit #visitméxico
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
A little time out goes a long way. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
A little reminder to slow down, take some time for you and to really be. Here. With yourself.

#wellnesstravel #spatreatment #spatravel #travelandbeyond #travelandleisure
roamandthrive
roamandthrive
•
Follow
A little time out goes a long way. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A little reminder to slow down, take some time for you and to really be. Here. With yourself. #wellnesstravel #spatreatment #spatravel #travelandbeyond #travelandleisure
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
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