Be a Scrooge this Christmas
Getting frazzled by the Christmas rush? Do you want to cut down on your gift list? Well, you can start by crossing out your closest friends. ‘What?!?’ you might say. It’s pretty simple really. Just warn your friends that you want to give gifts whenever you want to, but the timing will not necessarily coincide with a special occasion or a traditional time such as Christmas.
My practice started with my strong belief in the power of choice. I realized I didn’t like buying gifts when I “have” to. Special occasions such as Christmas or birthdays are ways by which people can show other individuals they are being remembered, appreciated, etc., but that doesn’t have to be at a designated time.
So I started the practice with my friends, who understood my quirky reason, then it extended to my family, and then to my professional colleagues. Not that I don’t give gifts, actually; I do quite a bit of it, except that I do it when I feel like it or when I see something that reminds me of someone.
What are the advantages? First and foremost, the feeling of being liberated is just fabulous. I’m not scurrying to and fro right now because of my decision. Second, for some weird reason, people appreciate a gift more when it’s unexpected and a total surprise. I’m not even going to venture why. And lastly, there’s the thrill of discovery when you spot something that’s totally perfect for somebody you know.
Experiment first with people who are close to you and who won’t necessarily be affronted by your decision. See how you feel. Yes, there might be guilty feelings, but remember, you are going to give gifts eventually. And take note, you’re not really going to be a Scrooge, you’re going to be Santa Claus the whole year round.
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