“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” Hans Hofmann

I love these words and find them endlessly inspiring. They seem particularly relevant when thinking about the festive season.

I am really looking forward to our first family Christmas with Aidan and I recently signed up to the One million women no waste festive challenge (http://www.1millionwomen.com.au/2014/11/04/no-waste-festive-season/). This inspiring challenge requires us to reduce food waste, enjoy moments not things, avoid over packaging, shop locally and create DIY gifts. Although these steps may seem small, collectively they have a huge impact on preserving resources and tackling climate change.

My favourite item on the list is to enjoy moments not things. I can’t remember what I received as a gift five years ago, but I remember it was the first special Christmas with my husband Nick. Last Christmas I have happy memories of being nearly four months pregnant. I spent several relaxing days reading by the fire, walking on the beach, feeling Aidan’s first kicks and indulging a few pregnant cravings!

It feels natural to reduce food waste, avoid packaging and shop locally for food during the the year and I want to commit to these values at Christmas. Some of the measures I’m taking for the challenge include: reusing old wrapping paper; avoiding over packaged items such as Christmas crackers, planning each meal in advance to eliminate food waste, and not buying excess items, such as Christmas cake, that we don’t particularly like but feel compelled to have for the festive season.

The only task from the list which I find difficult is making DIY gifts as I’m not naturally drawn to crafting. With looking after Aidan, writing and campaigning, choosing to make Christmas gifts could defeat my purpose of creating a relaxing family Christmas! As an alternative, I have chosen ethically sourced gifts and charity gift cards.

Reflecting on the project, I question if it is really a ‘challenge’ or actually a positive release from some of the superficial pressures of consumerism. The commercial build up to the festive season loudly promotes a time of shopping, frenzied gift buying and hectic plans. Yet for most of us, our ideal Christmas involves time (ideally peaceful!) with loved ones, space to relax, good music and delicious food. Whether we choose to celebrate the original meaning of Christmas or not, we can all benefit from time and space for our own spiritual reflection.

By eliminating the unnecessary, we can enjoy a joyful Christmas, mindful of what is really important: our family, friends and the health of our beautiful planet.