Halloween is around the corner, and we know what that means: The first of the consumer Christmas music, decor, and other holiday marketing tools are starting. After a month we'll have Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the final mad rush of gift stress before the big day. That's right. Santa is coming. Its a two month extravaganza of present porn, and for the minimalists, the most dreaded aspect of goodness.
I am sharing 7 brilliant tips from Joshua, partially because he's got kids in the house to consider, and because he's spot on as usual. The little darlings add additional layers to this meaningful time of year. In his piece, he goes into various types of gift givers, from love, to manipulation. Personally, I am not ready to get so emotionally involved. Focusing on the complexities of other peoples' giving motivation would just add to my own holiday stress. Nevertheless, there are some helpful understandings written in there. I simply don't want to dampen the spirit, or judge anyone, or even downplay anyone else' benevolence, because I'd rather stay hopeful, trusting in others' good intentions. Honoring goodness is what this time is all about. If you feel advanced enough that these tips aren't quite enough, and you'd like to wade into the greed reading pool, and attempt to improve on other givers' habits, go for it. I fully support courageous efforts of the bold.
I only added notation on the one tip that comes from an outside source, which I believe falls short of respecting others' emotions, or at least doesn't address potential negative reactions. Without any further ado, here they are:
1. Begin with fewer possessions. We have celebrated numerous gift-giving holidays and special occasions since deciding to become minimalist. Each time, I am reminded one benefit of minimalism is that there is “room to add.” Because we have kept our personal belongings and kids’ toys down to a minimum through regular sorting and purging, there is room in our home for new things to enter. Although adding new things may seem counter-productive to the pursuit of minimalism, it is in fact, one good reason to consider it.
2. Make your gift requests known early. Though it does not always work out this way, gift-givers should desire to match their gifts with the receiver’s wishes. Creating gift lists and providing them to family members well in advance of holidays and celebrations can be a very helpful tool in limiting the clutter collection. Work hard to provide a wide-range of gift ideas varying in prices. Again, follow this formula: request quality over quantity, needs over wants, and experiences over products.
3. Make a memorable statement. Issue this Holiday Gift Exemption Certificate.
**JT's note on Gift Exemptions: Some loved ones will really frown at this when you present the idea. A response to a failed exemption attempt that makes a wonderful compromise is to request perishables/consumables. The reason that expressing no need for stuff can be disappointing for people who strongly desire to splurge is because its how they express love. How heartbreaking for someone to declare that their love is unwanted. In that case, concede, and make a request for a favorite gourmet cheese, chocolate, wine, or liqueur. Conceding can revive the holiday spirit in your kinship, and keep it from going sour. These items all keep. They are all special. They won't interminably linger in your space.
4. Be patient with your family. If living with less is a new pursuit for you, do not expect everyone else in your family to understand the first time around (especially if you are known for going through various phases in the past). Eventually, years down the road, they will begin to understand this is a lifestyle you are seeking to embrace for the long term and their gift-giving habits will likely evolve.
5. Humbly accept they may indeed have a good idea. Pride is always costly. It prevents us from seeing important life changes and other people’s points of view (among other things). This is important to remember when accepting gifts—especially from thoughtful gift-givers. When accepting gifts, embrace the idea that they may indeed know something that will add value to your life and benefit you in the long run. Be open to receiving their gifts and input. It would be foolish and proud for us to assume we know all the good things that could be added to our lives.
6. Purge guilt-free. It may take some time for you and your family to sort out which holiday gifts add value to your home and which only add clutter. With kids, it can often take months to determine which toys are a passing fad and which will become truly loved. Give it some time. But as the value of the gifts begin to reveal themselves, purge guilt-free. The gifts were given to you or your children (ideally with no strings attached). And, if they will find more use given to someone else, then please don’t hesitate to give them away. Rare is the gift-giver who wants their gift to be a burden on you or your home.
7. Reciprocate your request. You hope, desire, and expect other people to give gifts that align with your desires. Return the sentiment when you give gifts to others. Just because you make a desperate plea for experiences over products does not mean your brother, sister, father, or mother is requesting the same. If they would like new shoes, consider buying them new shoes. If they make it clear they desire a department store gift card for their birthday, at the very least, consider giving them a department store gift card. Giving gifts is an opportunity to show your love and appreciation. You can make your case for anti-consumerism at a different time.
Happy Holidays!
No comments:
Post a Comment