Dear Mouthy Housewives,
I can't get motivated for Christmas shopping this year. My kids have so much stuff already. I know I can make a donation in their names instead, but I'm not sure my teens will appreciate it. What should I do?
Signed,
Drowning in Too Much Stuff
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Dear Too Much Stuff,
Credit: m01229.
Every year, I think to myself... before one more piece of crap enters this house, I'm going to throw way and donate all the stuff that is already taking over my home. Then unfortunately I fall asleep on the couch while watching a TV marathon of holiday specials and I decide to put "clean out the house" on the to do list for next year.
I do hate the excess of the holidays—especially when you know there are so many people around the world that lack basic things like food, homes, and health care. At least if you have teens, you no longer have to pretend that these gifts are coming from the magical North Pole, instead of your bank account.
When it comes to teenagers, I would focus on gift cards (to their favorite clothing store, etc) and "experience" gifts. Maybe they've always wanted to swim with the dolphins or fly in a hot air balloon. These are the kind of gifts that your kids will actually remember for a lifetime and don't take up space in your home.
I think making a donation to their favorite charity in their name is also a great way to honor the holidays. You can even take it one step further by volunteering as a family at a local soup kitchen or food bank.
For smaller children, maybe buy one gift they would really adore and then focus on some books and smaller things.
I recently asked my kids if they could remember one gift they got for Christmas last year and they couldn't come up with anything. But they did remember the Christmas tree falling over on Uncle Dana—proof that the holidays are about cheap tree stands, laughter, and spending time together. Not the gifts.
Happy Holidays!
Signed,
Kelcey, TMH