Do we need presents on Christmas?

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I felt it was time to discuss something that I have been hearing more and more about lately – not giving presents on Christmas.

Now, when I wrote those words, my inner five year old just screamed. She hasn’t stopped yet.

Maybe it’s because I’m a natural blond, but I just never even thought that something like this could happen. I always say I don’t need anything (except a bill paid for or a new car), but the idea of not exchanging gifts or buying them for another... I never even considered it.

I first heard about it when I read an article about a celebrity couple who decided to not buy their children presents this year.

They can afford to buy what they want, when they want. I just thought they were being a weird celebrity couple.

Then, I noticed a few Facebook friends (who double as superhero moms) who were sharing articles or blog posts about the topic. Everyone has a different reason to support the slow-growing movement, but I always found it interesting to see who was supporting it.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Not giving presents to anyone, especially children, is not a rampant movement that is taking the world by storm.

I can pretty much bet the toy, jewelry and any other types of companies will not make that happen.

Plus, unless you never watch TV or go on the internet or basically look at anything other than trees and other cars on the road, you can’t get away from marketing plans that are made to make shiny, new things look buyable to you or children.

I just thought it was interesting, hearing of this movement. From what I could find, there are a few different reasons for not giving gifts. Some people have written about having financial instability but finding ways to bring joy to the holidays without having to buy the latest toy or gadget.

Some people live a type of lifestyle where they don’t want to have a bunch of things. I have to have my 48 lids to dishes I can’t find and my bookcase filled with cookbooks I’ve never opened, but if you want to look up the minimalist lifestyle, do it. You might like what you read.

I think the whole idea, if done correctly, could foster a personality of giving, which is something that is preached about during this season.

I realize that statement seems a bit off, considering what I have been writing about throughout this whole column, but I want you to think about it.

If you want to give this holiday season, maybe think about giving a little of you, whether that means something you made or just a bit of your time.

Just as an example, last Christmas, I thought I would be crafty and try to make instant hot chocolate for Christmas presents. While I did not succeed, I think the idea could work. Rather than buying something expensive for one person, buy enough of something that you can give to many.

Plus, who doesn’t love food or homemade items? Bake cookies and give them to your friends and family. Make macaroni picture frames. My mom still has mine from kindergarten.

The point is that Christmas has become a bit of a money-pit holiday that’s lost its charm and magic, at least for me. Maybe some of you out there feel the same.

If we give a little more of ourselves out there this season, maybe that part of the Christmas season will come back stronger than ever before.

Cassie Gibbs is a staff writer for The Southeast Sun and Daleville Sun-Courier. The opinions of this writer are her own and not the opinion of the paper. She can be reached at (334) 393-2969 or by email at [email protected].