No Gift Giving Christmas

A Widow’s Question: I just don’t want anything to do with gift giving and celebrating the season. Any advice on how to have a no gift giving Christmas?

My Answer:  I know you aren’t in a festive mood but whether we are ready for it or not, the season of gift giving isn’t going to go away.  Here are some easy tips to help you:

Stick to just one present per person. People who receive one big or thoughtful present are more impressed by the gift than when it’s paired with less expensive or personal gifts. As a result, one great present makes you appear more generous.

Get them to go online and put what they want on their “wish list”. See web retailers such as Walmart.com, ToysRUs.com, Amazon.com and Macys.com. Ask them for links to their online wish lists and then you can easily pick out a gift within your budget.

Do last minute shopping and get the best discounts. Typically savings can be as high as 50% off their original prices.

Christmas is a time to reach out and help the less fortunate. Get great last-minute holiday cards from UNICEF where seventy-five percent of sales go towards good works.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to really impress people.  All it takes is letting them know why you selected that present for them, writing the reason on the card – “when I saw this, it made me think of you and…”  Just knowing the thought that went into picking a present makes them appreciate it even more.

Instead of focusing on no gift giving or what money can buy, give a gift that will never be discarded, such as money into a college fund or doing a gift for others or donating your time.  Set price limits for gift among family and stick to it – making no apologies.  Also, don’t shop with your credit care, instead leave it behind and take cash only.

For more advice check out my “Survivor’s Guide – to Holidays and Special Occasions” on my Product page at https://sisterhoodofwidows.com/product/holidays-and-special-occasions/ .

There are also lots of free articles on my blog dealing with grieving and the holidays.  It’s a stressful time but you don’t have to do it on your own.

It helps to focus on others – our brains light up when we do a kindness for someone else.  And it’s the small things, from crafting a homemade stocking to making fruitcake from scratch that gives the most pleasure with the least amount of money being spent.  These gifts are true gifts of the heart because they are made and given with love.

To Our Shared Journey,                                                                                      

Mary Francis is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist®,  Certified Law of Attraction Facilitator,  Early Intervention Field Traumatology (EIFT) and Author/Founder of “The Sisterhood of Widows”