In a heartwarming shift from traditional holiday gifting, a family has embraced a new approach this Christmas by working together on home projects instead of exchanging presents. The Reva family, led by Rachel Reva, initiated what they call “Project Home,” a collaborative effort to support one another with much-needed tasks around their homes.
The decision arose during a phone call between Rachel and her sister, where they discussed the overwhelming holiday preparations typical of December. With the usual chaos of gifts, events, and year-end commitments looming, Rachel proposed prioritizing their everyday to-do lists over holiday shopping. Drawing inspiration from the rising trend of “life admin parties,” where friends gather to tackle mundane tasks, she suggested they each dedicate a day to help one another with home projects.
Rachel’s family consists of three sisters and their parents. Upon introducing the idea, the response was overwhelmingly positive, though one sister expressed initial reservations. Gift-giving is her primary love language, and the thought of not exchanging presents felt like a significant loss. To ease her concerns, Rachel promised a festive atmosphere at each gathering, complete with good food and wine.
By embracing this new tradition, the Reva family found joy and productivity in their collaborative efforts. The first project took place at Rachel’s sister’s home, where they tackled extensive spring cleaning in the kitchen, organized the bathroom, and finally completed a long-overdue deck construction. The atmosphere was lively, filled with music, coffee, and treats from Krispy Kreme, creating a sense of teamwork that made the tasks enjoyable.
The second project was hosted at Rachel’s home, where outdoor areas received significant attention. They cleared gutters, created storage solutions, and transformed her son’s bedroom to better suit his current needs. These practical improvements were enhanced by meaningful interactions, including a heartfelt conversation Rachel shared with her 22-year-old niece while assembling furniture.
These moments of connection, often absent in the rush of holiday errands, emerged as the true gifts of the season. Rachel reflected that, unlike the quick exchanges over coffee, these shared experiences fostered deeper conversations about life, aspirations, and the challenges young adults face today.
While purchasing presents could have been more straightforward, the sense of love and generosity expressed through their collective efforts brought a profound sense of fulfillment. Rachel’s son is thrilled with his revamped room, and her sister now enjoys a completed deck. More importantly, the family has created lasting memories that will resonate long after the holiday decorations are stored away.
As they continue with their projects, two down and two to go, Rachel emphasizes that this new approach has transformed her perception of Christmas. The holiday spirit, she notes, now stems from collaboration, presence, and shared accomplishments rather than material exchanges. This evolving tradition is one that the Reva family intends to carry forward, illustrating how the essence of the season can be redefined through acts of kindness and togetherness.
