NOTE: This is a recycled version of one of my previously posted blogs.
When you’re trying to declutter your life, the holiday season can be challenging. It’s so easy for people to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of commercialism, shopping and sales. But use this holiday as an opportunity to take a step back. If you are truly trying to declutter your life of materialistic objects, this is the perfect time to tell loved ones what you want, or don’t want, for the holidays. More specifically, the holidays are is the perfect time to discuss green, eco-conscious gifting.
Here are some of my favorite tips to make it through the holidays unburdened with extra stuff…
- Propose getting together instead of gifts: In my opinion, sharing time with a loved one is one of the best gifts you can give. So schedule a time to meet for a meal or better yet, schedule a date to go for a walk with a friend or loved one in order to practice a healthy habit while enjoying the company of a loved one.
- Propose a donation in lieu of gifts: If you truly don’t want anything but someone insists on giving you a gift, tell them the name of your favorite charity and request they make a donation to that instead. It’s a win-win for everyone.
- Request a good deed instead of a gift: Everyone has a special talent to share. Ask your computer-savvy loved one for their time helping you solve a computer problem or ask that they prepare your favorite meal. What to give them in return? Simply ask them what you can do for them.
- Propose a gift-free holiday: Before the craziness begins, reach out to loved ones and propose no gift exchange this year. More than likely, they’ll be thrilled with he suggestion and you’ll both have one less gift to worry about.
- Propose a Yankee Swap: I’m from New England and I’m not sure if this is specific to that region or not but it’s a great idea. Assume there are 10 adult family members that you typically get together with and exchange gifts with on a particular holiday. Propose in advance that you replace that tradition with a Yankee Swap instead. In this case, each person would bring a wrapped, unmarked gift to the event. Guests are given numbers as they arrive, or their names are randomly drawn, and they select and unwrap gifts from the pile in that order. The maximum value of the gift (typically $10 or $20) should be determined in advance as well. Not only is it a fun twist, but it will cost person less money and you only have 1 gift to deal with at the end of the day instead of 10!
Quote: “The best gifts come from the heart, not the store.”
Sara Dessen
SHARE YOUR IDEAS:
Do you have a favorite “green” gift you love to give? Please share it so we can all benefit!
Brenda Tringali, CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer)
Organizing | Productivity | Speaker
At Your Fingertips Organizing
Serving Greater Myrtle Beach, SC or “virtually” anywhere via video
Cell/Text: 603.490.6062
Brenda Tringali is the owner of At Your Fingertips Organizing. She provides Speaking, Organizing & Productivity services to Workplace/Residential clients both in person in the greater Myrtle Beach, SC area & “virtually” anywhere else via video, phone, etc. Brenda is an active member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing professionals) and the former Chair of NAPOCares, NAPO’s Social Responsibility Committee.