Celebrate with Less Things
We can get caught up in the shopping frenzy of "I should buy XYZ." You only know what it's essential for you, your family, and your clients.
This Blog is about being more intentional with fewer things and more actively creating memories for the event you're hosting this holiday season.
Commercials and advertisements are good at tapping into our emotions for their agenda. Am I speaking to the choir here? And I know when I'm consuming more than creating, blogs and videos on minimalism are essential reminders.
Last week's Blog was on tapping into our memories to encourage our loved one(s) during the holiday season. We grabbed our pens or makers for some brainstorming. Today, I have a story and an invitation.
Care to grab a hot drink?
I am currently experiencing loneliness, which I am familiar with when I move to a new city. Time alone can influence more writing and reflection for me. And I want to share one of my best Christmas celebrations.
It was December 24, 1987, my 1st Christmas in the USA
Doorbell - ding dong, “Richie sube los jackets al cuarto!” (Richie, bring the jackets up to the bedroom!) my tia Nela shouts to my cousin Richie from the kitchen as she and my mom are making last-minute touches for our guests.
Feliz Navidad!/Merry Christmas!
Even though it's Christmas eve, we Peruvians celebrate Christmas Eve and still do to this date. Big hugs and kisses from my aunts, uncles, and cousins, who all march in one after another as I stand near the stairs while my cousin Cathy opens the door for them.
I'm in awe of how everyone knows the celebration drill. The aunts carry food into the kitchen, uncles place the gifts under the tree, and cousins run to each other full of happiness to be together.
"I have so many first cousins!
These were my thoughts, filling my mind with joy and excitement. I have a big family! In Peru, our Christmas celebrations were small, usually with my grandparents. And the larger gatherings were generally at my mom's cousin's house full of second cousins. I still remember feeling jealous of how all the first cousins would be inseparable because they lived near each other.
Waiting for the day, I meet all my five aunts and 13 cousins in the USA.
The waiting was no more—Red and green colors of my aunt's beautiful house in Flushing, NY. Latinos who first arrive in the states stay with family members until they get settled with jobs and new places.
There was time to experience my new family
I can still smell the food, the laughter, and the presents. And although nothing was minimal in the 80s, my new family's favorite phrase was "Let's go shopping," And you gotta say that with a thick accent.
CHO-PING
Yes, like karate chop. It was a decade of thriving and opportunity, especially for newcomers. My moment narrowed down to my late aunt, Nela, who did her best to transition us while we stayed with them that Fall of 1987.
Did she buy things? Oh man, she often did, especially clothes. She had two closets! I remember her observing me, and she was always intrigued by my next move.
Paying attention to new experiences
So my invitation today, whenever you are reading this Blog, is to ask a young 11-year-old what they are experiencing during the holidays. Listen to the small details of their story. Ask open-ended questions, and here is something that gets the youth and adults talking, say:
"Tell me more about that!"
My aunt was very observant, and as I write today, we share a lot in common in our outlook on life, the hosting, the celebration, and the events. I have awe-inspiring memories of her.
My last memory of tia Nela was at the Printing Shop she co-owned in Astoria, Queens. She was so excited to gift me a YSuperstars t-shirt with the glitter in the "Y" and the star. Honestly, I felt appreciated and honored by her.
Her smile can brighten a room.
What do this story and invitation have to do with minimalism? Everything, in my opinion. The '80s were highly influential in leading us to the mall, and I want to challenge us to create memories, especially for middle schoolers.
They are in a difficult transition period.
I'm in a transition period, and you might be too. Middle school is when we seek and want to be understood. Let's make this era the era of creating rather than consuming.
TThis Blog is dedicated to my family and in honor of my late aunt, Nela Julca. May your seeds of radiant smiles, the joy of life, and love for adventure grow within our family.
If you like this Blog, let me know in the comments below, and share it with a friend.
Love,
Me
