For the second year in a row, I decided to avoid the crowds, traffic, and pain of Black Friday in favor of enjoying some time at home. This involves forgoing some “doorbuster” deals used as loss-leaders to get you into crowded stores, but it’s not much of a sacrifice.
I only now realized that there is an official campaign called “Buy Nothing Day“, and an associated campaign called, “Buy Nothing Christmas“. I’m totally on board (those who know my situation well, will realize that this isn’t much of a contest).
So this year I’m done. No Christmas presents. No tree. No decorations. Just a little peace and good will towards all.
Good on ya for the buying nothing. I’ve been particularly annoyed this Christmas season at the commercialism and greed displayed in commercials and advertisements and store displays. I keep flashing on my dim recollections of the Christmas scene in the Little House on the Prairie book when a piece of store-bought candy and a new, home-made dress, meant the world of joy. As I get older, I get more interested in simply making charity donations in the names of people, or even asking for charity donations to be made in my name. I think part of it is a reaction to my own materialism and, well, in a sense, greed. Aspects of myself that I struggle with daily, balancing my love of gadgets and computer toys with the realization that I don’t need most of the stuff I want.
Point being, while I may not, this year, join with you in practice, I think I’m going to make an effort to fashion my own gifts, or maybe even find things I own and don’t need to give away as gifts. Really, it should be about finding ways to give and not about buying.
Good on ya for the buying nothing. I’ve been particularly annoyed this Christmas season at the commercialism and greed displayed in commercials and advertisements and store displays. I keep flashing on my dim recollections of the Christmas scene in the Little House on the Prairie book when a piece of store-bought candy and a new, home-made dress, meant the world of joy. As I get older, I get more interested in simply making charity donations in the names of people, or even asking for charity donations to be made in my name. I think part of it is a reaction to my own materialism and, well, in a sense, greed. Aspects of myself that I struggle with daily, balancing my love of gadgets and computer toys with the realization that I don’t need most of the stuff I want.
Point being, while I may not, this year, join with you in practice, I think I’m going to make an effort to fashion my own gifts, or maybe even find things I own and don’t need to give away as gifts. Really, it should be about finding ways to give and not about buying.
You’re absolutely right Peter, while Christmas shouldn’t be about buying, there’s really no reason to not give. In the past I occasionally gave vouchers for free photography or meals cooked in the recipient’s home. Essentially I gave of my own time and abilities, and I certainly have been happy to donate instead of purchase for friends who preferred that for weddings. Extending the idea of charity gifts to Christmas makes absolute sense.
While it might not be appropriate for children, give the adults in your life gifts that really matter. Whether it’s of your time, charity, or just something small you fashion with your own hands — I’m sure they’ll appreciate it more than anything that comes in a plastic wrapping.
You’re absolutely right Peter, while Christmas shouldn’t be about buying, there’s really no reason to not give. In the past I occasionally gave vouchers for free photography or meals cooked in the recipient’s home. Essentially I gave of my own time and abilities, and I certainly have been happy to donate instead of purchase for friends who preferred that for weddings. Extending the idea of charity gifts to Christmas makes absolute sense.
While it might not be appropriate for children, give the adults in your life gifts that really matter. Whether it’s of your time, charity, or just something small you fashion with your own hands — I’m sure they’ll appreciate it more than anything that comes in a plastic wrapping.
I skipped the Friday buying frenzy also. I like the idea of donating time. I’ve done things like that before, but not in connection with Christmas.
I skipped the Friday buying frenzy also. I like the idea of donating time. I’ve done things like that before, but not in connection with Christmas.