Just Say No- December's Challenge du Mois

Thus far I've done extreme couponing, purchased only local groceries, tried to live life without electronic devices, and went down to one car. Five challenges down. Seven to go.

What a better way to start the sixth challenge than with some holiday spirit. And by this, I mean just saying no to the buying frenzy surrounding Christmas. Although we do not celebrate Christmas, both of our families do. BIG TIME. Generally, we give relatives gifts on our holidays while they give us gifts on theirs. However, this year we didn't exactly celebrate "our" holidays, so we're in a pickle. We love our families, and we love to give something back for all the help they give us. Yet, I rarely know what to get people, and in return, they rarely know what to get us. See: gift card exchanging.

Lame, right? Well, while the "adults" generally exchange gift cards, the boys receive a mini toy store every single year. Frankly, this drives me nuts. In order to change the tradition, I instituted a "no stuff" holiday.

What does this mean? Well, I tried to gently let everyone know via e-mail that we would prefer to gift people help with something, food, or experiences. Thus far, the reaction has been pretty good. There have been offerings of meals. There have been talks of how great it is just to spend time together. Yet, I still know there's the underlying expectation that monetary or "stuff" gifts are still expected. Quite frankly, I sort of feel the same way.

What will they think when I don't spend X amount on a gift card or experience? How will I feel when I don't receive Y amount in grocery gift cards that I generally depend on to get us through a week or two? These worries are crazy, right? If you think about how much money you put into gifting versus how much money you get back, you're likely to find a lack of balance between the two.

Instead of letting fear overcome my wishes to stop this holiday buying frenzy, I plan to hold up my end of the bargain. I'll set aside a small amount for immediate family "gifts." For older relatives, charitable donations will be made to their favorite charities. As for The Hubs, we've decided on a new sofa for our anniversary over a trip as we can share more time together on the couch than we can on a short two day trip. Finally, for the boys, my plan is to not buy them a damn thing. I know relatives will gift them things. I know some of the experiences relatives want will be with them. And I also know how bratty a certain preschooler is becoming after having such generous family around all the time.

That's how this month should go in theory. No gift cards, unless it's for a shared experience. No physical stuff that is inedible. More time spent doing things with and for others. Less wrapping paraphernalia to purchase and toss. Little stress about finding that perfect gift. Practically nothing to put away or make room for. Truly enjoying the season and being around those that mean the most to us, not the stuff we are told should mean the most to us.

Are you in? Could you do a holiday season "stuff-less"? What's your gifting strategy like?

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to holiday "stuff." Stay tuned for more ideas on how to avoid the majority of holiday shopping, whether it be for gifts, baking supplies, or decorations. Just say no.

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