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The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, dear pandas!
And with that, in many cultures, it means its time for the gift hunt!
Toys for the kids, knit sweaters from the grandparents, and the classic holiday candle that trumps all.
However, the ever-more-present movement of minimalism has reached the gift-giving season as well.
Some people are trying to figure out more planet-friendly ways of sharing the holiday cheer.
Others want to give their loved ones presents without breaking the bank.
They shared their strategy for this Christmas to make gift-giving more sustainable for the planet and for peoples finances.
Bored Pandagot in touch with the author of this post, Somanycatsinhere.
We had a chat with her about what inspired her to make these holidays a no-gift season.
Also, she shared some advice for people who are looking to start this tradition in their families.
Just like she mentioned in her post, she thinks that gifting traditions are becoming more and more insane.
I knew it was time for a change in my consumerism habits, the author of the post admits.
Somanycatsinhere says she wasnt so worried about the reactions from the adults in the family.
It was the younger family members that she was more worried about.
The conversation also wasnt as difficult as one would expect.
Thats why the Redditor says not to be so intimidated by introducing the idea to your family.
You never know maybe some family members are already thinking about it.
ensure to follow through with the gift.
For example: if youre gifting a night of babysitting, offer multiple times to schedule it.
Dont make it a chore for the receiver!
And by that, I dont mean casually making jokes or occasional jabs.
Tell your loved ones explicitly that you no longer want to be receiving gifts.
If people are willing to listen, explain why you opted to not want gifts.
Perhaps you dont have the budget for gift-giving yourself, so receiving will just make you feel awkward.
Ideological reasons are valid as well turning your life around to be plastic-free or zero-waste, for example.
This third suggestion may backfire, but its still worth a try.
If your friends and family come back with the classic Its Christmas!
We have to give you something, give them some alternatives that work for you.
Time spent together, a homemade meal and even cash can be gifts as well.
Bonneau recalls how she bought her daughter Microsoft stock with money people gifted her for birthdays.
19 years later, it paid for a whole semester of university.
This next piece of advice requires some compromise on your part.
Not all people might listen and agree to stop giving gifts.
Theres no use trying to change someones opinions.
Simply accept and thank them for the gift.
And on a related note dont start pushing your opinions and values on other people.
You wont win any supporters if you judge people, says Bonneau.
