Consuming less-- and that means fewer flashy "status" gifts, fewer names on our Christmas shopping list, and less elaborate packaging and gaudy gift wrap-can be a big step on the path to a simplified and ultimately more satisfying Christmas season and New Year. Yeah, right?
I heard you! okay okay forget the satisfaction part and the on going conversation in my head means nothing is simple ever - so what than?
Less debt and less stuff!
Every Christmas I re gift, it's like an addiction. I know it's wrong but really you are going to make me live with that jewelry box? No! when is my niece's graduation? I haven't until now told people about my compulsive re gifting, the re gifting of your good taste.
I'm sorry , I know it's frowned upon, resented and criticized, but really ? Picture frames that don't match my décor, plaques with new age sayings, strange bedroom slippers, pleather gloves? No wonder life can be lonely, I thought my friends and family new me?
Of course it's the thought that counts, but the thought also generates a colossal pile of garbage year after year. Am I guilty of giving useless gifts? Probably. The problem is: too many names on the gift lists and too little thought given to the gifts themselves. I mean, how many positive affirmation fridge magnets does a person really need? (In my case zero.)
Then there's the landslide of wrapping paraphernalia that threatens to bury me every boxing day. We used to laugh at my mother, who was ahead of her time- with her coaching of us "not to tear the wrapping paper" she saved and reused it the following year, really!
We'd get Christmas gift wrap on birthday presents, but my parents were immigrants so everything they did was weird. Weird than but on the right track, in reality. Is there a way to be a green gift-wrapper without appearing cheap or in a time warp? Gift bags can easily be reused without losing their charm and they look good under the tree. Better yet, choose gifts that don't require elaborate wrapping.
Conveniently enough, the gifts that don't need a degree in origami to wrap are often the greenest and the most functional. The budding sommelier on your list will appreciate a nice bottle of wine (no scotch tape required). The fashionista might not agree with your taste in costume jewelry, but she will definitely read a biography of Coco Chanel. And if she turns out not to be a reader? Most bookstores offer no hassle exchanges on gifts.
The point of all this being: a smart shopper will not only save herself time and money and gift-wrap-rage, but the receiver will not have to hate themselves because of a secret re gifting habit.
Onto the second problem with obligatory gift giving: too many names on Santa's list. Repeat after me: Check it twice and cross 'em off! Most people don't expect gifts from everybody they know. Try diplomatically asking the adults in your immediate family "do you think we should do something different with this year"? and guess what suddenly it is them, not you who suggested the "no gift" policy for a holiday season. No gift, no debt no waste.
If you are truly possessed by the Christmas spirit, check out charitable organizations and make a donation in their name, please don't cause controversy by donating to PETA on behalf or your Uncle the farmer. truest sense of the word "giving." not making someone accept your ideas.
Getting away from the obsession with "things," being more creative, and consuming less during the holiday season is a gift for both the giver and receiver. So here's to simple and green Christmas.
