As December rolls around, I started thinking about the Christmas tree—and this year, I realised something: maybe it’s time for me to stop the annual hassle and skip the Christmas tree altogether.
If decorating has started feeling like a chore rather than a joy, it might be worth rethinking the tradition entirely. For me, that means reclaiming my space, reducing clutter, and focusing on what really matters.
Watch: I’m Ditching the Christmas Tree This Year
Watch my full story about why I’m skipping the Christmas tree this year and see some minimalist holiday alternatives. 👇
Skipping the Christmas Tree
How I Ended Up With a Plastic Tree
A little backstory: about five years ago, I left my husband, the father of my children. Before that, we spent four years living in a tiny caravan, full-time on the road. You can check out my other blog for more on that journey – myrigadventures.com.
After leaving the caravan, my kids and I moved into a townhouse. Suddenly, we had so much space compared to our tiny mobile home. My daughter, still young at the time, was excited to have a “real” Christmas with a tree, flashing lights, tinsel, and decorations. I thought, why not? I wanted to give her that experience.
So we went all in. But honestly, my heart was never fully in it. The tree and tinsel became more about appearances than joy.
Why Skipping the Christmas Tree Feels Right
For me, keeping the tree around for 11 months of the year is a hassle. It collects dust, becomes a temporary home for spiders, and takes up garage space that I’d prefer to have clear. Having a decorated tree in the house doesn’t spark joy—it just adds clutter.
We never host Christmas at home; celebrations are always at my parents’ place. So, for me, skipping the Christmas tree doesn’t change the holiday—it actually simplifies it.
The focus stays on what matters: gifts for the kids, quality family time, and a nice meal. Decorations are secondary.
I’m not saying everyone should ditch their Christmas tree. If you love decorating, go for it! But if you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth the hassle, it might be time to rethink it.
Alternatives to the Traditional Tree
If you still want a bit of festive decor without the clutter, try using your houseplants as Christmas trees. A small indoor plant can be decorated and placed on a raised table, with gifts underneath—simple, minimal, and still festive.
In fact, it makes so much more sense to me to use a beautiful live tree that’s in my home anyway, rather than a plastic tree that needs to be stored for most of the year!
Checking With the Kids
Before I fully committed to skipping the Christmas tree this year, I asked my kids how they felt. My 17-year-old son couldn’t care less about tinsel or trees, and my 16-year-old daughter was fine with letting it go too. So there was no resistance—everyone is over the tree at this point.
Minimalism Over Consumerism
Keeping a big, plastic tree in storage for almost a year just feels wasteful and overly consumerist. I prefer to live minimally, reclaim my space, and focus on what really matters. This year, I’ll be selling the tree and decorations on Marketplace and enjoying a simpler, more intentional holiday season.
So, how about you? Will you skip the Christmas tree this year, or are you holding on to the tradition?
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