Friday, December 15, 2006 7:51 AM

A Giftless Holiday

By Lori

This year, my family has decided to eliminate holiday gifts entirely. No sweaters, no neckties, no nothing. We're not being scrooges, we just have a lot of other family things going on right now -- my baby boy arriving in a matter of weeks, my sister's wedding next year, dealing with elder care for my grandmother... we've all already given each other so much over the past twelve months, what else can we possibly give?!

Admittedly, I'm pretty thrilled by the thought -- no standing in long lines, no stressful crowds, no pressure to find the "perfect" gift for my picky Aunt. Just a totally giftless holiday!

That said, my family would still like to do something special in the spirit of the season, but for someone else -- we could donate to a charity, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or send gifts to a children's center -- but those ideas all just seem so trite since we've done them before. Any Nesties have unusual and fun ideas on how to celebrate the spirit of giving?

Posted by The Nest Editors

Comments

re: A Giftless Holiday

All of the charity ideas are great. Any would be wonderful. If you're looking for something to do with your family to be festive outside of charitable giving, perhaps an ornament exchange could be fun. We do this with my extended family each year, and it's an inexpensive way to be festive. We do it "white elephant" style where you can steal someone else's or choose a new ornament that is wrapped, it's pretty fun and exciting for the kids...not to mention great to fun to mess with your inlaws! It's great that you're looking for alternatives, good luck and have a Merry Christmas!

Posted by lizwiz    Friday, December 15, 2006 1:09 PM


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