Simplifying Christmas Gifts

I am a big fan of a simplified Christmas.  In fact, my first ever blog post in December 2008 was entitled Simplifying Christmas and outlined how my husband and I spent December 25th last year.  Since then, I have read and researched so many interesting things about simplifying holidays, ecologically sustainable practices and simple living.  However, it turns out, that many of the practices that I had last year still hold.  Here are some ideas to simplify gift giving:

–Try for a green and frugal gift — this includes giving money, giving something that celebrates the local, giving something that helps the recipient to be environmentally friendly, and giving the gift of giving.

–Rather than having lots of multiple gifts for each person, draw names for the exchange of one gift — most offices have shifted to the name draw for a holiday gift exchange, and large families may find this practice appealing.

–Create something special and homemade – for example, the gift of jars of colorful beans or spicy nuts.  And, don’t be afraid to make 10 batches of nuts and give these out to 10 people.  Remember this isn’t the Olympics, there aren’t extra points for complexity.

–Instead of fancy wrapping paper and bows, look for easier natural ways to present gifts including decorating with hand drawings done by young kids, gift bags that can be reused, or natural adornments such as dried leaves or flowers.

–Focus on a special experience for Christmas – such as a tree planting, visit to a nursing home, caroling, or group cookie baking.  Over the years, you’ll find that the fun and laughter of these events will be stored in your memories long after any purchased gifts are gone.

shared at Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday