Why the need to possess instead of the desire to belong?
When searching for a present for my family for Christmas, I hoped to offer them something “nice” and not just “another thing”. Christmas is always a milestone, it brings the family together and the year to an end, hoping to reflect together on what comes next. It never seems to be associated with a lamp, accessories, or T-shirt.
I’ve never been keen on acquiring material possessions, not for myself either. I often find the time spent in shops to be a waste of precious life moments. As well as spending hard-earned money only to give it back, I feel the weight of unused items piling up around us, creating clutter in our daily lives and in our minds.
Some of my close friends and family still believe in the necessity of things, mainly for professional or social reasons, or to fill a perceived void. We’ve all experienced or witnessed first-hand how shopping and food become traditional compensations for all the inconveniences life can bring. I’ve seen the consequences and the weight of hoarding.
“I can leave any place in 24 hours, with one suitcase, as long as my wife is with me.”
My father
Things matter only to the extent that we know why they are here and serve a practical purpose in our lives—or as Marie Kondo puts it, bring a sense of joy.
A few years ago, I discovered the Minimalist movement, which articulates the need to declutter and create space in life, both physically and mentally. I firmly believe in this principle; limiting the mess around us offers more peace of mind.
Here are some tips we have adopted:
- Invest in items, and only consider good quality, as you will live with it for a few years.
- Embrace a policy of no new things, only replacements. Not everything needs to be replaced; consider the necessity first as usage changes and life evolves.
- Practice patience, especially with children who tend to forget half of the things they want and change their minds about the remaining half. I let them ask a few times over a few weeks before buying a new item.
- Prioritise spending on creating moments rather than things. If you need to hold something in your hands, cultural products such as books and music, group games offer great alternatives and bring joy to our days.
So for Christmas this year, we are offering the family to share a unique experience, traveling in time to visit the Chateau de Versailles during the Louis XIV period. Let’s hope it will be a moment to remember!
Merry Christmas to all and – hopefully – see you next year!
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