Does the thought of holiday shopping put you in “panic” mode every November? Why not try one or more of the following ideas to simplify your vacation this year? Remember, the holiday season is a time of warmth, fellowship, shared experiences, and hospitality. Don’t give in to stress. Instead, savor every moment with friends and family. After all, five years from now, no one will remember what gift you gave them, but they will remember baking cookies and singing around the fire.
– Draw names with close friends and family. Make or buy a gift for the name you draw.
– Cut a few names off your gift list by talking to people you think might get an invitation not to exchange gifts.
– Buy one family gift per household instead of one gift for each individual separately. Make the gift something that encourages family time, like a puzzle.
– Stop buying gifts for adults and give to small children only.
– Offer simple homemade gifts or gifts of service such as, “I’ll watch your kids for one night while you go on a date with your husband.”
– Give inexpensive gifts and let your presentation make them elegant. For example, homemade cookies in an open-weave basket strung with a red ribbon.
– Make your gift a tradition and give the same thing every year. For example, an annual renewal of a favorite magazine.
– Buy by catalog or internet. You can really do all your shopping in a matter of hours in the comfort of your own home.
– Give the gift of time: a coupon for a monthly back rub, a trip to the zoo, or a house cleaning.
– Think alone. For example, make a batch of bran muffins. Give the recipe and six fresh baked muffins in a tin. “Wrap” the package in clear cellophane and cover it with a pretty bow.
– Cover a shoe box with wrapping paper to use as a gift box. Fill it with stationery like paper clips, markers, notepads, note cards, and stamps. Any mom or grandpa will love that.
– Give the gift of a dated ornament that reflects someone’s special interests or personality.
– Give a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant.
– Invite someone who is alone to celebrate by decorating the tree or a meal. Send them home with leftovers.
