We all have a lot of stuff, some more than others. How much of it is useful? How much is simply a “wanna have?” How do you decide and what do you do about it?

Since we’re downsizing, with less than 18 months to go until the Big Move out into the boonies, we’re trying to get rid of a lot of that “stuff.” Most of the big items will stay until the very end, furniture, etc., but we’ve already moved out the guest bed—sorry, folks! We do still have that comfy couch . . .

Anyway, when family asks me what I want for Christmas, it’s tough to answer. The things we need are things we can’t acquire just yet, like building materials, appliances for the new place, and that sort of thing. We already have a lot of survival gear and, like I said, nothing really needed just yet.

We moved enough times over the years (9 in 18 years, not counting a few hotels we stayed in for a short time) that we have it down to a science, and one rule is “wait until you get there!”

My answer usually comes down to something consumable, wearable, or very small.

At the same time, what about gift giving?

Most of our family understands, on some level, the prepping; but that doesn’t mean they want to participate! Plus, with young kids, it’s even harder.

We did, however, decide to really limit our budget this year—when you have a single-minded goal, like moving and self-sustainability, it helps a lot when you’re shopping. We’re sticking to helpful items and consumables—fortunately, that’s often what the kids ask for (the 7- and 3-year-old want Camelbaks)!

I think back on Christmas when I was a kid—holy cow, can’t even imagine what the adults spent, and if I figure it in 2014 dollars, I might keel over . . .

Mounds of presents—literally. From Mom and Dad, Grandma, Santa.

Even when my daughter was little, we’d drive to STL to see my family on Christmas Eve, then back to CoMo on Christmas Day—we’d have to stop at home to unload THE TRUCK before we could go over to my in-laws’.

One year, when my 21-year-old was a baby, just two weeks old, I took him to his room to change his diaper and when I came back, I could barely step from the hallway into the living room . . .

So this year, I guess I’ll be Scrooge. Comparatively speaking, that is. We’re trying to change, trying to let all this “stuff” go, but it’s hard, especially with the little ones. But it’s worth it. Until I start shopping!