During the festive holiday season of Christmas, well-meaning relatives often enjoy gifting presents to our families. Yet, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the already abundant items you possess. Perhaps, you have a sincere wish to streamline your holidays, minimize the clutter, or encourage people to assist those truly in need. Allow me to share a couple of pointers that I’ve implemented for encouraging your family to curtail their holiday shopping or even bypass gift-giving altogether.
USE A CHARITABLE WISH LIST
Indicate to your family that their generosity would be better served helping those who are less fortunate than it would purchasing gifts for you. Numerous charitable organizations provide the option to create a wish list that you can share with your family. This idea might not resonate with everyone in your family, and some might be hesitant to donate.
An alternative approach could be to identify a needy family within your community (your local church or school could connect you to one), help them prepare a wish list, and invite your family to join in the spirit of giving.
In conversation, you could suggest, “Your generosity throughout the years has truly been beautiful, but this year, I’d love to redirect that goodwill toward those more in need.” While not everyone may be on board, trying this might be worthwhile.
EXPERIENCES TRUMP GIFTS
While our family has always graciously given my daughters clothes and toys, I have tried to emphasize that they would much prefer experiences over physical gifts.
You can suggest types of experiences such as tickets to a museum, a local amusement park, or a cinema. Or, prompt them to spend dedicated time with your children doing something enjoyable and memorable. For instance, “I value your wish to buy Emily a gift. I’m sure, though, that she would love spending time with her aunt/grandma, doing something fun, like watching a movie or enjoying a cupcake.”
As far as I’ve noticed, my daughter cherishes such special outings with her favorite relatives. Even an inexpensive date involving just doughnuts and chocolate milk would make her day.
I still cherish the memory of a lunch date with my own aunt when I was about 12. It felt special to be treated like a grown-up, with her undivided attention.
You can suggest to your loved ones that gifts of this kind could be way more meaningful. And if your family members are unsure how to present such gifts, help them be imaginative and wrap up a hint of the experience. If, for instance, a grandma wants to take your son to an airplane show, she could gift a small airplane model with a card detailing the upcoming outing.
HANDLE WITH UNDERSTANDING
Despite your best attempts, be prepared that relatives will still lavish you with gifts. Instead of being upset, appreciate the love behind each gift. However, also make sure to only keep what aligns with your family’s needs.
These presents can either be incorporated into our regular lives, returned, or donated to those who need them more. As an example, if our daughter gets five new outfits, we will donate five old ones she’s outgrown. If an outfit isn’t to her taste, we won’t hesitate to give it away.
So, how do you manage familial generosity during holiday seasons?
