Revisiting Minimalism & Simplicity

surviving in a maximalist world around the holidays

In the last few years, we’ve propelled ourselves into a new era of maximalism.

Bold colors, layered textures, shelves overflowing with eccentric collectibles and knick-knacks. Oversized clothes, statement accessories, patterns on patterns. And it’s more than just an interior design or fashion aesthetic.

As I understand it, maximalism is also a cultural statement, encouraging us to push back — against “millennial grey,” yes — but also against uniformity, scarcity, and suppression.

At its best, maximalism is about self-expression, joy, and a sense of whimsy. It inspires us to reflect on who we are and what we adore. And it invites us to show that to the world. What’s not to love?

But as with any cultural swing, I believe there’s an underside.

Maximalism is all about “more is more.” It’s loud and over the top. I’ve certainly been swept up in it — taken with the muchness. The drive toward consumption is, after all, undeniably attractive — new colors, new frivolity, new trendy pieces that promise to make me feel something. And it’s not just material things. After years of corporate burnout and social disconnection, I’ve recently been piling on new hobbies, new friendships, a new career, all in the same emotional pursuit to feel like I’m making the most of being alive.

Yet it’s all quite… overwhelming.

And I don’t know about you, but I would love for things to feel a bit more whelming for once?

This craving for equilibrium has led me to reflect back on my mega-minimalist days. The era when I had one job instead of multiple freelance gigs. When I didn’t really own décor. When my entire closet hung on about ten hangers. When I decluttered with a kind of religious fervor. I don’t live in that world anymore — but I’ve started to see how revisiting the principles of minimalism might be less about aesthetics and more about survival.

Because the truth is, I’m exhausted. And I think it’s time to do some recalibrating, especially around this time of year.

If you’re anything like me, I think you’ll relate: the holiday season, for all its charm, often arrives with its own heavy dose of stress. It’s brought on by a slew of factors: decorations, gift exchanges, lavish meals, and crowded schedules filled with social events. Not to mention you’re probably working, managing a household, trying to eat well, attempting to fit in a workout, navigating darker days… the list goes on.

You’re drained.

But I think the answer, at least for now, feels surprisingly clear: simplify.

Minimalism may not be trendy at the moment, but I’m still a big believer in its underlying philosophy: that less is more. It’s a reminder to step out of the sensory and emotional overload and return to a steadier, slower pace.

From a mental health perspective, minimalism might be the antidote to chaos. Clutter — both physical and emotional — can heighten anxiety and fracture our attention. Simplicity, on the other hand, can dampen the noise. Fewer decorations mean fewer decisions. Fewer obligations mean more space to breathe, more time to relax. When we stop measuring the holidays by how much we do, buy, or host, we could actually make room for presence and peace.

And I think our physical well-being benefits, too. The holidays often disrupt our natural rhythms: late nights, heavy meals, constant rushing. But a season filled with slower mornings, nourishing meals, and restorative movement can help us regain balance. A morning walk instead of an extra shopping marathon. A cozy movie night in to replace one more social obligation. These small choices can be a way of honoring the body rather than pushing it to its limits.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should neglect beloved traditions or social plans that genuinely bring you joy. If you love hosting the annual gingerbread house competition, do it! If gift-giving is your love language and it doesn’t deplete all your energy, by all means, go to town.

But know that you don’t need to do everything — and you don’t need to carry on with what you’ve always done if it feels like it’s killing you slowly.

If you’re stressed or overwhelmed, try assessing where you can edit the excess. Can you simplify the social schedule? Can you cut down on the number of gifts you’re dishing out?

Ultimately, the cultural pendulum doesn’t need to swing to either extreme. Maximalism encourages expression, while minimalism encourages simplicity and clarity. Most of us want to live somewhere in between — in a place that supports us without exhausting us.

I’m still navigating that balance. I’m still pushing through the discomfort of saying no. I’m intentionally carving out days to relax. I’m finding ways to simplify my menus, my workout schedule, my calendar, my to-do list. I’m hoping you can do that for yourself, too.

Cheers to, perhaps, a calmer holiday season. I hope you find your happy medium!

— Mira