Do We as Adults Really Still Need Gifts?

This is just something to ponder... Don't throw stones at me;)

In a world where we can buy anything that we want most of the time, a world where we shop on a daily, weekly or monthly basis or even every time we get paid, do we still need to get presents at Christmas? Even if you aren't a constant shopper most of us still get gifts throughout the year for birthdays, anniversaries and other holidays.

For most of us living in America, can we honestly say they we need more than we already have? If you have a family, job, home, clothes and all the basics of life do we need more than that? Most of us already have more than that;) On top of getting presents for others during Christmas don't we also slip in a gift or two for us from "Santa?" See we really can buy what we want when we want most of the time!

Of course, no one wants to feel like they would be giving up the biggest and funnest part of Christmas. But see that's where the problem lies. Christmas wasn't ever meant to be about the binge buying or lofty gifts and the vain purchases for everyone in the family. Because then it turns into "we don't know what to get for Aunt Betty so we'll just get her a new pair house slippers so she has something to open at Christmas."

But then it makes you think... Won't Aunt Betty feel sad then and feel forgotten if she doesn't have a present to open on Christmas? Well, if you can ask yourself that and know the answer is yes then maybe you should get her a present, something you know will brighten her day. Getting a present (and that is a very loose term... see post on Giving Gifts with Love) for someone who is less fortunate, elderly, lonely or sad is exactly what Christmas is for. Even just making the time to call them or visit with them could be a gift in itself throughout the year and especially at Christmas time.

But for those of us who have all that we could want and need or at least the ability to save for something over time, I issue you the challenge to go without the gifts this year. Let it just be a year of gratitude and thanksgiving. A Christmas Present Fast so to speak.

Just tell family members and friends that they don't have to get you anything. That if they'd like, they can put what they want to spend on you to a good cause or set one up for them to donate to. Maybe even encourage all your adult family members to forego gifts this year. You could even come together and just shop simply for the children and for those less fortunate. Drop off special gifts on Christmas morning and visit those who are lonely. Do some extra good during the time you would be opening presents.

I know Christmas is a very emotional and sensitive holiday. Maybe this really is the only time that you and your family, spouse, children and friends exchange gifts. And maybe you can't bare the thought of going without opening presents, I totally understand. But consider it for a minute. It has changed the way I feel about Christmas forever! And now when someone does get me a gift or if I feel inspired to get someone a special gift it just makes the present that much sweeter:)