We CAN change this situation. Here’s how:
HAVE THE HONEST CONVERSATIONS. Broach the subject with family members, friends, and co-workers. It’s best to do this before the holiday season ramps up, but now is better than never. Figure out what angle might appeal to your circle—economics, practicality, children growing up, stressed lives, or so on. Don’t expect miracles overnight; it might take several years to truly ratchet down the gift-giving. But do have some alternate suggestions (see list) and be willing to listen to others’ ideas. You may run into resistance, but you may well be mobbed by grateful, like-minded people.
Some ideas for reducing gift volumes:
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1) Agree to give gifts that aren’t “things” or that are consumable. Go as a group to a favorite concert, sporting event, or day spa; give foods known to be favored by the recipient
2) Agree to limit the range of gift giving: giving only to children, or drawing names from a hat, or only giving to immediate family
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3) Agree to limit the number of gifts given, i.e. one per person, and/or the amount spent.
4) Forgo gifts to each other and give instead to the recipient’s favorite charity.
5) Decide as a group to donate together to one charity that represents the group’s values.
6) Give of yourself. Figure out how to give your time or what you do best for others.
What do you do in your family or circle of friends? What has worked best for you? What is the favorite non-thing that you have ever given or received?
