When so many people are watching the pennies because of the cost of living crisis, having to exchange Christmas presents is an expense they could do without. And how many people even appreciate the pricy gifts they're presented with?
I think she's right. Yes, children expect presents and will be sorely disappointed if they don't get any. But adults don't need presents. Allison would rather people brought a bit of food and drink, or simply loaded the dishwasher. That would be warmly welcomed.
Jenny and I decided some time ago not to give each other presents for Christmas or birthdays. We were always racking our brains for something suitable and drawing a blank. We realised that all we really wanted at Christmas was just some tasty food, a glass or two of wine, something entertaining on the telly, and a few games of Scrabble. Presents weren't necessary.
Lots of people get into huge debts at Christmas because they feel obliged to give presents to all and sundry but simply can't afford it. Then they spend months trying to pay off the debts and maybe failing to do so. But media images of Christmas, with vast piles of presents under a Christmas tree, perpetuate the idea that it's normal to give presents and not giving any is unthinkable.
Well, perhaps we would start thinking the unthinkable.
Our equivalent will be Deepavali presents but, in our home, the three of us are committed minimalists so, do not give or accept presents other than festive special edibles. We are considered to be ab or subnormal but, have got the message spread that this is our policy.
ReplyDeleteRamana: Special edibles would be very welcome.
DeleteGood one! I'm so sick of buying presents for people who don't need anything. Really, we just want to make each other happy. There must be a better way.
ReplyDeleteColette: Making each other happy would be the ideal Christmas tradition.
DeletePresents for children, of course, but otherwise not. When a child in Scotland Christmas Day was not a holiday which may have dampened the urge to give presents anyway.
ReplyDeleteFly: I didn't know Christmas Day wasn't always a holiday in Scotland.
DeleteWe have exchanged books for years and years, used preferred but any and all. I wrap these in tea-towels and not paper as everyone can use a spanking new tea towel.
ReplyDeleteSimple and thoughtful and so very much appreciated.
XO
WWW
www: Exchanging books is a good idea for book-lovers. And yes, most people could use another tea towel.
DeleteWe decided on giving adult children (and each other) mostly consumable gifts . . . candles, food, shower gel, hand soaps, wine. I make a nice basket and individually wrap each item, so it still seems like Christmas.
ReplyDeleteBijoux: Food and wine are always appreciated. Unless you're teetotal of course!
DeleteWe've always had low key Christmases, even when Kaitlin was little. I was always taken by the Quaker notion that every day is special, no need for presents.
ReplyDeleteJean: Indeed, every day is special and no need for presents. The Quakers are right.
DeleteWe stopped giving presents even before I became a minimalist who doesn't want to deal with all that stuff.
ReplyDeleteLinda Sand
Linda: Yes, choosing and buying presents is all a bit of a palaver, isn't it?
DeleteMary's comment didn't appear on my post, yet again. She says: "I agree, I only buy presents for my daughter and grandson now.
ReplyDeleteMary: Grown adults are capable of buying themselves presents any time they want.
DeleteSome little presents for a child are ok, even if we know that so many children have no presents at all . Our present is to invite homeless people at our home and offer help., a nice meal and above all wonderful discussions and warmth with people who are ignored. Sharing is the best gift of all.
ReplyDeleteHannah
Hannah: That's a very good way of marking Christmas. Homeless people are so often forgotten while everyone's busy celebrating.
DeleteChristmas is for the young really, isn’t it? I don’t get excited by it anymore, that’s for sure - I’d rather hibernate until April!
ReplyDeleteSx
Ms Scarlet: Me too. I've had more than enough Christmases.
DeleteMy children are doing that - just presents for the young ones. I just love to give presents though!
ReplyDeleteLiz: I guess even presents for children are beyond a lot of people's resources right now.
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