Speaking of Christmas and Commercialism

The Coffee Shop
1

I have a serious question. For years now I have had serious issues spending hundreds of dollars buying gifts and gadgets for people who really don’t need them. I see it as a monumental waste of money and a source of stress for those who can’t afford to keep up in the gift-giving sport of Christmas. It serves no practical purpose, and limits the ability of those involved to divert cash to more deserving organizations such as charities, churches, food banks, etc.

I have been trying to think of a way to replace this wasteful behavior with a more meaningful tradition involving charitable dontation. I think it would be great to make donations to local food banks or a persons favorite charity in an anonymous amout in that persons name.

First, it would send money where it’s needed and be used for a much better purpose. Second, regardless of your personal interpretation for the real meaning of christmas, helping your fellow man is a great way to celebrate. Third, it would be in an undisclosed amount, which would ease the financial burden and the guilt that accompanies spending less in the exchange. Save the big gifts for the birthdays & keep Christmas meaningful.

The question is, how does one start this process without coming off as imposing or a cheapskate? I initially thought I would contact relatives in advance and ask them to send no gifts, but rather donate to my local food bank that has suffered from Katrina’s drain on donations, but I didn’t have the guts to go through with it. Additionally, I don’t think my wife was totally on board with the idea.

Any thoughts on the matter?

2

I have a serious question. For years now I have had serious issues spending hundreds of dollars buying gifts and gadgets for people who really don’t need them. I see it as a monumental waste of money and a source of stress for those who can’t afford to keep up in the gift-giving sport of Christmas. It serves no practical purpose, and limits the ability of those involved to divert cash to more deserving organizations such as charities, churches, food banks, etc.

I have been trying to think of a way to replace this wasteful behavior with a more meaningful tradition involving charitable dontation. I think it would be great to make donations to local food banks or a persons favorite charity in an anonymous amout in that persons name.

First, it would send money where it’s needed and be used for a much better purpose. Second, regardless of your personal interpretation for the real meaning of christmas, helping your fellow man is a great way to celebrate. Third, it would be in an undisclosed amount, which would ease the financial burden and the guilt that accompanies spending less in the exchange. Save the big gifts for the birthdays & keep Christmas meaningful.

The question is, how does one start this process without coming off as imposing or a cheapskate? I initially thought I would contact relatives in advance and ask them to send no gifts, but rather donate to my local food bank that has suffered from Katrina’s drain on donations, but I didn’t have the guts to go through with it. Additionally, I don’t think my wife was totally on board with the idea.

Any thoughts on the matter?

My wife understands not to get me anything for the holidays (or for my birthday, for that matter): I have what I need, and I buy new things when I need them. I’ve asked her to tell her parents that, too, so they don’t stress over the hopeless task of finding something that I need (or even want!).

If you know particular people will buy you a gift, I wouldn’t hesitate to send them a note with this idea. It might be a bit presumptuous to assume that someone will be buying you something. Perhaps if you tell them that you will do this in lieu of giving gifts and encourage them to do the same, it will go over better (“I will be making a contribution to <name_a_charity> in your name in lieu of a <insert_your_holiday> gift. I encourage you to do the same”?).

3

Sounds like a great idea.

I would simply craft a letter to include with your Christmas Card that states what you want to do and why. I don’t think anyone with a brain would consider you as imposing, especially in the wake of Katrina. I certainly wouldn’t.

I like the idea of an anonymous amount.

Our family this year is restricting the gift giving to one gift from each, to each. That means in a family of four, each person will receive three gifts, just like Jesus did. Should cut WAY down on the outrageous gift giving (there’s a $$$ rule, too).

Of course, Santa will still be coming by for the kids, but his sleigh will also be much lighter than usual.

4

Watch the movie “Christmas with The Kranks”…He sort-of attempts what you want to do…The story revolves around how everybody else reacts.

I do think you have a good idea though. I’m thinking of a “You can only give out what you personally make” Christmas…

5

DualFual - this link was in another thread and I though you might like it:

http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/
.

6

Ken, easy for you to say. We all know about your 1,400 sq feet of affluence :wink:

Thanks all, it’s nice to know I’m not alone on this. My biggest obstacle is my wife. She’s a very practical person, but also bound to tradition and will probably not go along. We’ve talked about it, and she’s hung up on the fact that regardless of what we tell our relatives, they will still send gifts, and she doesn’t want to be the odd man out.

The most painful part is that we spend about 20-30% of our gift dollars on shipping, since we’re down in SC and all the family is in NY/NJ & Canada.

Canada is still there, isn’t it?

7

I know people who have done this when they got married. They didn’t want to be burried in useless crap because they were already “established” and didn’t need another toaster. I say just tell them you don’t want the gifts and would prefer they donate the money and give them a list of charities you support and they should give to them or one that is important to them.