The Art of Thoughtful Giving: Resisting Over-Consumerism in December
Here we are in the final countdown to Christmas. You may feel stressed or overwhelmed by all that needs to be done before the holidays. That is the struggle we all seem to face this time of year; it’s full of anticipation and excitement but accompanied by a mile-long to-do list.
No matter what you celebrate, gift-giving, decorating, eating, and drinking are activities most of us will engage in this time of year. The obligations of buying expensive gifts, serving a gourmet feast to our family and friends, and decorating our homes and offices can begin to add up. While the intentions are good, the holidays can quickly become overbearing. Living in a world where the consuming never stops, can create a lot of unnecessary struggles.
Here are four myths we are taught to believe about the holidays:
Myth #1: A gift has to be brand new - Is new and shiny always better? Not necessarily. Secondhand and gently used items can be just as meaningful as buying new from the department store or Amazon. Several shoppers agree. A Jungle Scout Consumer study shows that in a survey of 1,000, 25% said they were going to buy secondhand gifts this year. When we thrift our gifts we are more likely to find one-of-a-kind treasures for our loved ones.
Myth #2: You have to spend a certain amount - In 2023, Americans estimated they would spend an average of $975 on gifts alone. The amount spent on a gift does not equal how much we love a person! We should not have to hit a monetary limit for our gifts to be special and appreciated.
Myth #3: Quantity over Quality - More is not always better. Finding one thoughtful item can bring more joy than a pile of random stuff that brings no additional value to our lives. Let’s put the intention back in gift-giving.
Myth #4: Ethically pleasing wrapping is a must - new bows, paper, and gift bags galore! The pictures we see on Pinterest encourage us to have the most perfect-looking presents. Or to get a new holiday wrapping pattern every year. But what if we got more creative and sustainable with our gift wrapping? What if we decided to be a bit more frugal and save those gift bags?! It would be better for our wallet and the environment.
We have a choice when it comes to how we consume. We can continue to buy stuff that no one needs or we can start new traditions and put thought and care into how we celebrate. Despite what society tells us, there are ways to decrease what you buy and still have a meaningful, joyous holiday.
We can create new traditions with our family and reduce our consumption at the same time.
Below are a few mindful and sustainable holiday practices to make your holiday more fun and bust the myths listed above!
Gift from your Kitchen. Making delicious plates of hand-iced cookies or homemade sourdough is a labor of love. Most people love receiving tasty treats that you put time and effort into creating.
Thrift, but add a personal touch. secondhand stores always have glassware on hand. First, find a cute mug or a set of bar glasses. Pair with some of your favorite coffee or alcohol. To take it a little further, add a recipe for your favorite cocktail or latte. Drinks is just one example of this, but you could do it with antique casserole or pie dishes too!
Visit your local antique shops. What do you buy for the person who already has everything (so most of us)? Items you can’t find in any other store. One-of-a-kind items. Antique shops are the perfect place to find unique gifts for those tricky-to-buy-for people on your list.
Give the gift of life experience. Airbnb gift cards, concert tickets, or cooking classes; Whatever their hobby, there is a unique experience for everyone.
Organize a gift exchange. Each member of the family or friend group buys for one person instead of everyone. This cuts down on spending, and the amount of stuff bought, and gives you time to curate the perfect gift for that one person. If you want to make or buy smaller intentional gifts for others, you still can! But a gift exchange takes away the obligation of buying for everyone.
Do it yourself holiday decorations. The sky is the limit when it comes to making your own decorations! Make a paper chain garland or get crazy and try stringing popcorn. Dried citrus can be a beautiful and sustainable substitute for bows and garlands too. Paired with cinnamon sticks and some evergreen branches your home will smell delicious!
Out with the Old in with the new (ish). The holidays are a great time to do some decluttering and minimizing. Especially if you have children; they grow out of toys and clothes every year. Find an organization that will take gently used clothes and toys for those facing a challenging time. When your kids receive new toys (or new to them) or clothes, they will have space and their old toys will have a new home. Bonus, your family helped out another during the season of giving.
Whether you are tired of buying presents that just aren’t good enough or you want to save your money for other things, you can change the way you spend the holidays. Let’s slow down, and buy quality, carefully handpicked items for those we love. Let’s put creativity and fun back into the decorating. Let’s remember that this time of year is about being with those we care about. The stuff is just that….stuff.
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