But it won’t be easy.
Suggesting leaving gift giving behind in our debt-funded consumerist economy is tantamount to treason, punishable by exclusion, banishment and ostracizication.
However, it also just might save us from out of control debt and misery, not to mention overstuffed storage lockers and garbage bins.
Mainstream narratives confuse good will in the world with good loot under the tree. We can turn that around.
It is amazing what a search for ‘’no gifts, please’’ brings up. Tons of polite and gracious ways to let people know you are going gift free.
If you are present-free curious, right now is the perfect time for choosing a stress-free, gift-free holiday season.
Try one or more of the above suggested ways to communicate your desire to make this holiday season about relationships with each other, and nature rather than about loot.
Besides, the best gift you can give is your time and undivided attention.
And that is free.
No material gift may be the best gift this year. It is exactly what many of us would like.
Thanks for nothing, except for you, just as you are, which I deeply love and cherish.
Be the most valuable gift you can give, then give freely.
The world will be a better place because of the gift of your presence in this very moment.
Happy Buy Nothing Christmas from your Scroogey friends at the Not Buying Anything Blog.
Thank you for your time and attention year round, for which we are infinitely grateful.
Many years ago, when I came to my mother's birthday when she was still alive but getting of age and poor health, one of the visiting ladies looked at me kind of accusingly or maybe said something because I came empty handed. I replied: I'm here that is the gift. My mother confirmed that adding: she's also here to help. Because of work and distance I couldn't go that often. I spent the afternoon serving cake and drinks. And putting more bouquets in vases. And that's how it went until she had to go to a home.
ReplyDeleteMoms are great. I miss mine. She lived very simply, and taught me a lot about it through her example.
Delete- Gregg
Gregg, your mom left a great gift to the world in you!! Your thoughtful, funny, helpful and timely messages of simple living are a true gift to your readers and a testament to your mom's wisdom. Merry Christmas to you and Linda! Sophie
DeleteThank you, Sophie. Your comment is a gift that I graciously accept and hope to continue to live up to.
Delete- Gregg
Yes to this and yes to the comments. Beautiful thoughts. As for me, I bake biscotti this time of year and give it to friends and others who work to make a difference in this community and the world.
ReplyDeleteBiscotti - yum, and very thoughtful. Consumable gifts made by one’s own hands are great things to give and share.
Delete- Gregg
Sometimes gifts are good. This made made my day today: https://trashcollector.blogspot.com/2025/12/a-meaningful-christmas-gift.html
ReplyDeleteThat IS a good, mindful gift. Thanks for sharing.
Delete- Gregg