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With Thanksgiving being the start of the holiday shopping season, it is time to take a look at why gift giving has become such a big part of the celebrations. The concept of more gifts, more parties, and more food can be too much for many. It’s time to consider asking for fewer gifts or no gifts at all this year.
Whether it’s due to shrinking budgets, especially for families experiencing job cuts and high inflation, or just wanting less stuff, according to The Good Trade, this is the time to reflect your feelings to your family and friends. It may be easier than you think.
Why People Exchange Gifts
If you are feeling overwhelmed this year, eliminating gift exchanges in favor of shared experiences with your loved ones could help create a new holiday tradition, reported CNN. One that others might easily get on board with.
Traditionally, people typically give gifts this holiday season for three reasons: to make the recipient happy, to feel good about themselves, or to express intimacy. But the gift doesn’t always achieve the desired outcomes for the giver or for the person who received it.
Gift giving can actually be an added level of stress especially if it’s more about adhering to custom rather than something from the heart.
“Cutting down your gift-giving list can make the holidays less stressful when the tradition has become an obligation rather than a joyful experience,” Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, told CNN.
How to Opt Out
While starting a conversation of setting boundaries on exchanging gifts might be challenging, you may be surprised to find out that others agree with it but are afraid to ask.
“Being upfront and honest and suggesting to your friends that everyone skips the gift-giving ceremony and have a small or large celebration, honoring the friendship, instead is perfectly understandable,” Gottsman said.
Framing the request with positive language will also help, according to The Good Trade. Explain that finances are tight or that it’s no longer possible to buy gifts for growing families. Make suggestions instead that change the nature of the gift giving if people do want to completely give it up.
You can give fewer gifts by selecting names out of a hat with a clear budget stipulated or give consumable gifts like homemade cookies or a selection of tea. You can offer services like free babysitting, shoveling, or a home cooked meal.
You can also swap gift giving with volunteering and bring meals to a firehouse or police station, serve at a soup kitchen, or donate items to an animal shelter.
The most important thing is to stay true to the season whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza. Spend time with your loved ones, celebrate with each other, and remember it’s not about gifts.
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