I’d would be lying if I said I love Christmas. I don’t, I didn’t grow up with it, it’s not a tradition I feel strongly connected to for family, cultural or spiritual reasons. I could easily skip MOST of Christmas and be quite content but I play along…at least a little.
Things I LOVE about the season are expressions of gratitude, thoughtful generosity, great food, beautiful festive decorations and the time spent with family and friends.
Here’s my Un-Gift Guide, things I could do without this holiday season. Maybe you can too?
- Gift Cards/Certificates to big box stores. It doesn’t take much effort to do a little online searching and give local gift certificates!
- Cards-and no offense especially cards of families/kids/pets-I love you but I can see your photo’s on Facebook anytime I like now! Though, I admit, the humorous ones lift my spirit!
- Gag or silly gifts-especially if there is even the remote affiliation with “As seen on TV”.
- “White Elephant” or other gift swap’s and parties-I’ll probably come because I want to see you! And trust me, if I participate…it’s definitely something I’m regifting (sorry!).
- Anything that could remotely be considered clutter-stuff that NONE of us really need (see above-especially “As seen on TV items).
When gifting, please consider giving Experiences such as gift certificates for services at favorite restaurants, spas, classes and consumables like food, candles, beverages and personal care products such as lotions, soaps and perfumes. This probably means you need to know the person you are giving the experience to well enough to know what they like. If you’re not sure, include a gift receipt too.
Why not just ask what people want? I’m not sure why or when this became taboo but I think it’s much more generous to give someone something someone will love than to give someone clutter.
PS…I’m not Scrooge!