I started my no-buy year on December 1, and in the beginning, old habits didn’t disappear right away. I still found myself adding things to my Amazon cart, browsing online, and wandering through stores. The difference was that I wasn’t actually buying anything. That pause—between wanting and purchasing—turned out to be powerful. It gave me space to slow down, pay attention, and begin refocusing my life.

December, of course, meant Christmas. I set clear spending limits for my son and daughter, along with a few friends, and stuck to them. Instead of eating out, I invited people into my home, and in return, I was welcomed into theirs. It created a quieter, more meaningful holiday season. I decorated using what I already had indoors, and I was especially grateful for the outdoor lights and decorations I had purchased earlier in the fall for my new place. After years of not having an outdoor space to decorate, even a small front porch felt special—and it didn’t take much to make it feel festive.

January began with a trip to visit my brother and his family. The plane tickets had been booked months earlier using airline points, which allowed me to travel without spending money. I won’t have that option next year if I stay committed to my no-buy plan, but I’m hopeful that the money I save throughout this year will make future trips possible. Back at home, I continued hosting family and friends for meals. I did have a small splurge—one night of pizza and a Coke for $7—but it felt intentional rather than impulsive. Friends invited me out to eat, and I shared homemade gluten-free pumpkin bread with one friend who loves it. I’ve had them over several times, and they’ve generously returned the favor. Next month, it will be my turn again.

This month has felt surprisingly short. I’ve noticed that I no longer visit Amazon to fill my cart “just in case.” I deleted my search history, and now it feels oddly peaceful to see my order list stay the same. I’m not browsing online the way I used to, and I’m genuinely content with what I already have.

The greatest gift of this no-buy year has been the rediscovery of joy—both in old interests and new ones. I’ve been having more fun than I expected. My kids visited this weekend, and I loved cooking for them and simply being together. I bought them coffee one morning, went for a walk with my daughter and our granddog, and spent time talking with my son. He even called his best friend from high school, and I enjoyed overhearing their conversation and catching up on what his friend is doing now.

What surprises me most is how much my focus has shifted. My life feels fuller, calmer, and more intentional. I didn’t expect a no-buy year to bring this much happiness—but here I am, grateful and genuinely content.

Less Spending, More Living: No Buy Year