Christmas Gifts For The Non-Materialistic
December 22, 2009
Would Christmas suck so much, if it was less materialistic? Time and money wasted on Christmas shopping and everything else surrounding Christmas, seems like a huge waste for just one day. So why not give a free gift that won’t wind up in the trash before January is out?
Homeless For The Holidays by Becky Blanton: I heard about this awesome free guide through Betsy Wuebker at Passing Thru. It’s a free resource for folk who want to do more than just hand over money to the homeless.
Harvest Potluck UNICEF Fundraiser: My friend Patricia came up with the idea for this wonderful free book with dozens of recipes donated by friends. The book is free to download but if you like it, donations to UNICEF are appreciated.
Lightworkers Guide To Self Employment: If you know someone who would like to start their own business, point them in the direction of this excellent free guide to spiritual entrepreneurship by Akemi Gaines.
114 Ways To Celebrate Life: With all the materialism surrounding Christmas, it can be difficult to remember that we’re actually celebrating the birth of Jesus. And there is far more to life than toys and gadgets, so check out some awesome ways to celebrate life in this free ebook.
Blogging In The Next Decade: If you have any blogging friends, do them a favour and point them in the direction of this free report, which explores how blogging will change in the next decade.
Loans That Change Lives: Help an entrepreneur in a developing country, by giving them a small loan to grow their business. A loan of $25 dollars may not buy much in your home country but it can make a world of difference to an entrepreneur in another part of the world.
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Can Materialism & Spirituality Go Together?
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Comments
34 Responses to “Christmas Gifts For The Non-Materialistic”
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Hi Cath: I think it’s a great idea to find valuable things we can give to others that don’t cost much or that are even free, such as the ebooks you mention above (thank you for mentioning mine), making something, or giving vouchers for an afternoon of baby sitting, washing their car, and so on. Merry Christmas Cath!
Marelisa’s last blog post..Five Christmas Specials on YouTube
Hi Cath .. great sites you’ve sent us to .. the loans that change lives – looks really interesting .. and it will be interesting to see where the blogging world takes us in the next decade. The free ebooks are brilliant – especially if they involve a donation to raising funds for cancer, or other worthwhile cause ..
Have a good Christmas and New Year – be thinking of you up there with that snow .. and your family – the precious ones ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
I don’t think Christmas sucks – it’s the stores and the shoppers that do. I avoid it all by shopping online.
And all of those gifts are great ideas – or donate to a worthy cause in someone’s name.
Kim Woodbridge’s last blog post..WordPress 2.9 Released on 12/18/09: Highlights
Hi Cath,
I love your list of free Christmas gifts, especially the importance of giving to those in need. Every year as the holidays approach, I’m always mindful of the need of donations – whether it’s food, toys for needy children, helping feed the homeless, elderly and infirm etc. Volunteering to help feed the hungry at homeless shelters, women’s shelters etc is an excellent way of giving back and “paying it forward”. Plus, it’s an excellent teaching tool for children to learn what appreciation and hardship really means – and to value what they already have.
Lin Burress @Telling It Like It Is’s last blog post..Last Minute Christmas Gifts Sale: Top Magazines for $5.00 or $10.00
Hi Cath,
Thanks for the Link Love.
One of the things I struggle with is accepting gifts from my children. They are all young adults trying to set up their own lives, pay off student loans, etc. But they want to give me something, and get annoyed when I try and tell them not to. Sort of a Catch 22. So, I tell them I am thrilled if they do something for me. For example, my son is an extremely talented graphic artist, so one year he gave me one of his designs, which I am going to have printed onto pressboard to hang in my office.
What I have learned from my children is that wanting to give something to me is their way of saying “Thanks, Mummers.” Isn’t that what the 3 Kings’ gifts were symbolilzing? Thanks and appreciation? I wonder when it became all about giving gifts to make sure you don’t offend someone.
Eliza’s last blog post..Surviving all the holiday food choices
Thank you for the mention. The eBook is getting very positive reviews.
And great you included Kiva. I make contributions periodically, and it’s fun to see how they go around, get paid, reloaned, etc.
Akemi – Yes to Me’s last blog post..Motivation vs Inspiration
Hi Cath – Thanks for mentioning Becky’s e-book. It really is a great compilation of meaningful ways to make a difference. This is a lovely post with the time-honored message of selfless giving. Thank you.
Betsy Wuebker’s last blog post..Soothing Scrubs – A Great Gift to Make or Keep for Yourself
These are great ideas. I wouldn’t say Christmas sucks… but I agree that for many, it’s become way too materialistic.
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Hi Cath – I forgot to say how glad I was to see you mention the micro-loan idea. We purchased a soccer ball, a goat and two sheep for struggling families in Africa, Bolivia and Cambodia in the name of all our children this year. When Jessica was 4 or 5, she and Pete were watching TV and Save The Children came on. Jessica wanted to adopt one of the children and Pete refused, saying they couldn’t afford it. She ran out of the room crying and he felt so bad. Even now he cries telling the story. So we finally righted that wrong from all those years ago. No matter how little we think we have, there is always someone who could use a hand. Thanks, and Merry Christmas!
Betsy Wuebker’s last blog post..Catching Up with Christmas Recipes
Cath, these are wonderful ideas! Yes, the current version of Christmas saddens me. It has become far too materialistic. The emphasis on buying can heighten stress and depression for those who are struggling to get by. Doing for others, making gifts for those close to us are all wonderful ways to have a lovely stress free holiday. After all we can give gifts at any time of the year.
Karen Swim’s last blog post..Why You Should Learn to Fight Fair
Cath,
As a non-Christian, I have been wondering for years when it was that the “Christ” part came out of Christmas and the “mas(s)” part seemed to have fallen by the wayside.
I am glad to see that your list of items for gifts are those that have more of the intended spirit than another tie or other materialist item that is useless and often thoughtless but compel people to reach into their wallets so that a pretty package can lie beneath the tree. From “Black Friday” on, it sppears that everybody is clogging the roads and stores doing their Holiday Season shopping.
As an aside, it is quite ironic that your last post addressed the issue of people doing all of their shopping off of the net. If that truly is the case, then why are the highways jammed with people who are buying locally? I admit that I don’t get it and never will. Perhaps even more ironic is that the historical record proves that Jesus was not even BORN on December 25th. Oh well, at least we know that when “Christmas Madness” comes to an end, stores will be shilling for Valentines Day!
Have a wonderful, meaningful Merry Christmas with the family, Cath.
Rita’s last blog post..How to Teach Your Dog to Come
If you’re in the UK, you can buy gifts or anything for yourself all year round using webshops that partner with reputable high street stores and which give a commission to your chosen charity.
Forgive me for promoting my own charity here, but as an example, you can visit our homepage enfieldclubhouse.org.uk or search Google for Enfield Clubhouse and you will find links to three such webshops. Of course, you can choose your preferred UK charity
Happy holidays,
David
David Marsden’s last blog post..My Perfect !Football Predictions For 2010
I greatly appreciate the shout out about the ecookbook and that was a fun endeavor – then I made a donation for each of my relatives for UNICEF…they in turn this year gave me a chicken, heifer, and Well Works from their favorite charities…this has been the most fun gift giving since we changed to this system of gifting.
I really love how we do Christmas now – we have a small dollar limit for Stockings and everyone plays Santa for each other. I got things on my trip to UK for everyone. We try to surprise and make magic…then we will take off and go cross country skiing in the mountains…..and tell stories and sing songs and play games…
I think since we came up with a PLAN that was win-win for everyone our Christmas’ have gotten more and more meaningful.
Our overall goal is to be loving and kind…
But I have to say I do not shop during this season…and just for this reason: my husband needed new dress black socks, so I made the journey to the store early this morning…for 1 pair of socks it took me 1 hour to find parking (because of my knee I could not walk per usual) then after I selected the correct size to go with his suit, I waiting in line for 75 minutes for my turn at the check out. The young man at the counter beside me could not find a credit card with any funds left on it to pay for his purchases…so after 20 minutes of his turn….he swore and said – “well now my wife will get nothing!” as though it was the clerks fault…and then he stormed out of the store.
He was angry with himself…and tired…and frustrated…I know there are those that love the shopping part, but it is often so sad.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy the moments that are great and can let go of the troubling ones…
Patricia’s last blog post..Peaceful Service – Practices of Peace
Hi Mare – You’re welcome. Offering to babysit or wash someone’s car is also a nice idea. Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year.
Thanks Hilary – Kiva is a wonderful site and it has helped a lot of people. It’s stopped snowing now but I daren’t check the forecast. I like the stuff, I just don’t like driving in it. Have a great Christmas and New Year.
Hi Kim – That is true. I get most stuff for the kids online too – Amazon is brilliant. Have a great Christmas and New Year.
Hi Lin – Donating or volunteering your time is a lovely idea. Have a good Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hi Eliza – You’re welcome – I loved your post. I see what you mean – but as you say, at least they want to give you gifts for the right reasons. It’s lovely that they can give you gifts they have made themselves though. Have a lovely Christmas and New Year.
Hi Akemi – You’re welcome. It’s a great book and a really nice way to help others who want to start a business. Have a great Christmas and New Year.
Thanks Betsy – You’re welcome. It’s a great book. I wish I’d joined Tribes now, you’ve met some interesting people in that forum. What a lovely story and a great gift to give in the names of your children. Have a nice Christmas and an awesome New Year.
Hi Karen – That is so true. And I bet so many people get into debt over Christmas. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Hi Rita – It’s sad. And it makes you wonder how much is being spent on rubbish, when we hear about the billions spend online and the roads are still jam packed with shoppers.
I heard that Jesus wasn’t born on Christmas Day and I also read somewhere that what we call Christmas was originally a pagan celebration.
Have a lovely non-Christmas Day and a fabulous New Year.
Hi David – No worries, I don’t mind you sharing the details of your charity at all. Buying from somewhere that gives a commission to charity is always a nice idea. Have a Happy Christmas and a good New Year.
Hi Patricia – The story about the guy in the shop is sad. And you could probably have knitted those socks in the time you waited. I am up in the middle of the night, planning to go food shopping before the masses get there but I’m dreading driving on the icy roads.
Your way of celebrating Christmas sound lovely. We hope to learn skiing when we move – it looks like a lot of fun. Have a magical Christmas and New Year.
Cath,
I like Eliza’s idea – making something or performing some form of service seems like a much more meaningful way to go about gift giving at Christmas – not to mention being more financially smart.
I agree that there is too much materialism associated with Christmas. Whilst not inherently bad and fun for children, gift giving can not only place financial strain upon families, it can also deter focus from the more meaningful aspects of Christmas – including the birth of Christ.
Andrew’s last blog post..Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
I suppose Christmas can kind of suck for some people, but I just love the look on my kids faces when they see Santa or when they get to open gifts.
What does suck is knowing how there are so many other kids (and adults) in the world way less fortunate than us and don’t get to have those xmas smiling faces. I know I could do more if I really tried … and that’s what sucks, too.
The “Beyond Blogging” intrigued me and upon clicking it — lo, the same one I saw recommended by Problogger recently. Gonna get me a copy of that. There is still so much to learn. Oh so very much.
Fannie Junster’s last blog post..A Peanuts Christmas Song For You
Hi Cath – I actualy don’t mind the presents side so much, which is probably because I don’t buy many – and I actually haven’t had a Christmas present yet this year – I’m not seeing Mum till next week.
What I dislike is the Christmas dinner/Day thing – this year we got out of it without upsetting anyone (I don’t think they read your blog). Yay! We normally have to sit around listening to my sister ear-bashing everyone non-stop, and listen to churchy Christmas carols that sound like a funeral – and you know how much I dislike funerals ;=)
Have a great new year – cheers from Rob
Robin’s last blog post..There Is A Vitality
Cath, love the suggestions. Human beings are only ever limtied by their imagination or mind when it comes to what to do. Choosing to serve others in different capacities does not necessarily require money. Just do what feels right in the heart.
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Good post. Helps to bring peoples minds away from the materialistic Christmas holiday and bring them back to the truer meaning of just giving.
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I think home made guess that are unique and mean something to who you are giving them too are the best type of gifts.
I forgot to comment on your site Cath but i have done what you suggested. Thank you.
“Blogging In The Next Decade: If you have any blogging friends, do them a favour and point them in the direction of this free report, which explores how blogging will change in the next decade.”
Already did, thanks to you.
Hi! This was an interesting article. Around christmas it’s so important to think one step longer and not just buy, buy, buy… It seems like we value time with tha family and friends and other non-materialistic thing less. I alway try to do some good things to help other people around chritsmas time. it doesn’t have to be big things, a smile, a thank you or some coins to the homeless is enough if everybody do so!
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Hi ! Cath
I agree that people spend a whole lot of money during christmas, but you have to admit that it is not only during christmas but also each and every family occasion, which can be used purposefully as you said.
Those are some great ideas right there. I always start thinking about that stuff at this time of year. That way it gives me plenty of time to plan ahead.
Alice’s last blog post..Charity singles for Haiti earthquake
nice ideas, even though Christmas is over now:)
Great tips.
I hadn’t thought of any of those. I’ll have to keep those in mind for next year.
I hope this finds you well.
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Hi.
I really like the idea of loaning money to people in underdeveloped countries. I think I’ll look into that.
Jannich’s last blog post..What the hell is wrong with americans?!
Hi I liked the idea of celebrating the Christmas, it is nice reading it. Christmas is all about sharing love you give love you take love form others. Ideas posted in your article are too good. Last one is the best. Do post some more ideas
A-Kasser’s last blog post..A kasse fordele
The main thing behind celebrating Christmas is more to be with your friends, family or anyone that cares about you and you care about. The giving of gifts is just one way in showing how much you care but another is just to enjoy their company.
Some great suggestions also in this post. Looking forward to more being added.
Great post. Thanks
Personally I gave money to some charities for Christmas presents. I still probably spent the same, but I helped some charities to plant trees, save species and so on. I did this for people who I knew would appreciate it and they were over the moon!
Richard @ Eco Living Advice’s last blog post..12 Effortless Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Today
I’ll be checking these ebooks. I think the greatest gift that you can give to others is too help them, make their life meaningful. I’m not telling that you give everything to them, but at least help them become a better person. I usually give donations to charities every pay day, but I think isn’t enough. I can still do more once I have the greatest means.
Pretty useful post. These are some worthy suggestions which will stay in my mind to follow for next christmas. By the way I agree with Kim Woodbridge’s view that its the shops & stores which suck and not christmas per se. I am gonna check out the lightworkers guide to self employment it seems to be a good gift for my friend. Thanks a lot.
Crochet Patterns’s last blog post..Tunisian Crochet – Entrelac Style Baby Blanket « Nikki, In Stitches
My 7 year old son is the same problem, he just buys what he wants. I know guys don’t really like getting clothes sometimes but they need it!