As much as I hate to start thinking about holiday shopping before Halloween, it probably is time to talk about what might be the greatest gift you can give your friends and relatives this year: Freedom from the obligation to exchange gifts.
You will not only save them (and yourself) money, you will save them time — one of our most precious commodities this time of year.
It’s possible I could summon a dim memory of a time when I enjoyed holiday shopping for my parents, four sisters and brother. In our family, you had to buy everyone two gifts because most of our birthdays are in December and January.
In time there were spouses and children, and before we knew it there were 40 people coming for Christmas dinner. At some point we called a halt to massive shopping and began drawing names. Then, as budgets and time got tighter, birthday gifts became optional.
I realize there are people who love to shop, are adept at buying just the right gift for their friends and can afford to do so. But for those of us for whom it has become an unwelcome chore, perhaps it’s time to call a halt.
Not buying each other gifts doesn’t mean you can’t share the holiday spirit. One of my co-workers used to bring everyone a laminated card with a recipe she thought we’d like. That’s a thoughtful gift, not only because it’s useful but because it requires no gift in return — and no dusting.
I’ve received homemade preserves and baked goods (and have been known to dispense the latter myself). I love my friends’ Christmas letters and family photos. But I really don’t want any more “stuff.”
Most of us don’t. And yet we feel obligated to spend money we don’t have to give each other things we don’t need or want.
Have “the talk.” Be the first one to call it off.
And if you decide to spend the time and money you would have devoted to shopping to having drinks or lunch with the people you love, that might be an even greater gift.
