December is often a season of gift-giving, as many families celebrate holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, and New Year’s Eve. Most of us probably enjoy giving someone a gift they really love, or being gifted something that makes us smile, but do you ever feel uncomfortable about the frenzy associated with buying gifts during the holidays? Holiday shopping can turn into an expensive, competitive activity that sometimes feels more stressful than meaningful. There can also be a lot of disappointment that results from spending a lot of money on a gift that will go unused or unappreciated by the recipient.
As with most things that make us feel stressed, we can slow down by bringing some mindfulness and awareness to our gift-giving practices, which will hopefully lead to us feeling more satisfied and intentional with the way we exchange gifts during the holidays. Here are a few ideas of ways to bring more joy into your holiday shopping and gift-giving traditions:
Give an Experience. For people who don’t need more stuff (which is probably many of us), think about giving them an experience instead of a material object. This could be a cooking class, a gift card to a rock-climbing gym, tickets to a concert or the symphony, or even a membership to something like the MKE Film Festival. Not only will the person enjoy their new experience, they will think of you while doing it. For a budget-friendly route, make your own gift card for items you can provide, like a 30-minute back rub, a hike together at a local park, or a home cooked meal on a date of their choosing.
Go the DIY route. If you are a crafty person, by all means share your talents with loved ones by knitting them a hat, making them a piece of art, building them a side table, welding them a piece of jewelry, etc. Let your creativity run wild! For others who don’t identify as artists, don’t underestimate your cooking skills. Gifts like a fresh loaf of bread, a tin of cookies, or a jar of homemade jam or pickles will be greatly appreciated!
Buy Practical Items. Ask the person what they may need. Is this person going off to college soon or moving into a new apartment in the spring? You could help them buy some of the necessities they would otherwise purchase on their own. A cool pair of socks or a cozy scarf will likely get utilized and appreciated. If the person spends a lot of time in the kitchen, see if they are in need of any cooking utensils or tools.
Donate to others in need. In place of gift exchanges, some families spend time together during the holidays doing volunteer work. While serving a meal to families in your community, you will give the gift of service and compassion. Maybe there are opportunities to volunteer an afternoon reading to children or the elderly in various hospitals or local organizations. You could also consider donating gifts to a church or agency who then gives them to families in challenging financial situations.
However you decide to give gifts this season, be mindful of your purpose in doing so. Gift-giving is a way to show others we care and are thinking of them, and often we can convey this through small gestures. For many of us, simply being around friends and loved ones feels like a gift. Remember to stay grounded in the weeks ahead and try to avoid getting swept up in the holiday shopping frenzy.
References
Acaroglu, L. (2017). 5 Ways to Disrupt Holiday Consumerism. Retrieved from https://medium.com/disruptive-design/5-ways-to-disrupt-holiday-consumerism-33fae672311f