More is out, less is better.

As we enter the holidays and plan for next year, stuff is everywhere. But in the face of the recession and years of more, more, more in the mainstream, many people are rethinking their relationships with stuff, with shopping, with want and with waste.

It turns out minimalism could be the next big thing—and that it just might make us happier too. (At least that’s what The New York Times is saying.)

Here are joyful minimalist endeavors from which you might take a creative cue:

Wear it on your sleeve:

Draw inspiration for your closet from the many minimal fashion projects of late. You could buy no new duds for a year like Free Fashion Challenge.  Take inventory. Get thrifty and crafty like New Dress a Day. Try on a 30 for 30 Remix and wear only 30 items for one month. Or go tiny with just Six Items or Less.

Downsize:

Getting rid of stuff is liberating. One Guy Named Dave got rid of everything save 100 things.  You could whittle down to that, or to whatever you feel comfortable with. Rowdy Kittens has some advice on how to streamline. And I love this idea of photographing your possessions as Exile Lifestyle did.

Join a movement:

Many a word describes a more mindful way of consuming—or not consuming—or not consuming as much. See if one tickles your fancy: Uncomsumption, Minsumerism, Nonconsumer.

Borrow, Lend, Trade:

Collaborative consumption is a new, old practice, also known as sharing. It looks like this: hold a swap. Go in on a tool or gadget with a friend. See about carsharing. Or check out The Mesh directories to find an online site where strangers share services and stuff.

So tell us, how are you approaching consumption this holiday and New Year? Is there anything you’re taking on or giving up?

Image via Flickr user alanhynes and Etsy