Holiday reminder to respect a family's no gift policy

[Anonymous]

Going to Xmas with little kids present and not giving gifts to anyone is as fun as going to a Steakhouse on a Friday during Lent with a bunch of Catholics.

Look just don’t go. You had 364 days to go over just go another day

[Anonymous]

Omg are you my SIL? Sorry I only see you guys every 2 years and I want to give my nephew a single book or a a single outfit that I think is cute. Just take the damn gift and say thanks. Donate at will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is so simple. If someone doesn't want material things, save your money and let it go.

It's amazing how much materialism is ingrained in people. If someone asks you not to give gifts, just don't give them. It's so sad how boundaries have gone out the window and people are so obsessed with imposing stuff on others.

We enjoy holidays with people we love. The memories, good food and laughter are enough for us. If you want gifts great. If someone doesn't, then just leave them be.

Christmas is about gift giving. We all know that. Sorry, but most people don't even mention Jesus on Christmas. So if you want to celebrate Christmas without presents, go find an Amish family to celebrate with.

You could always just tell your family what's important to you -- what causes you think are important and why you would prefer certain gifts, and explain why you don't want others. That is, if it's really about the environment.

Actually many families have embraced the true non-materialistic spirit of Christmas and not everyone feels Christmas is about giving eachother stuff. A lot of people on here don't want to be told to donate to a charity as a gift, which is why "no gifts' is so simple. Instead of getting in such a tizzy, why don't you take the money you would have spent on "no gift" people and buy yourself something you want or purchase some therapy sessions to constructively vent about those sanctimonious, horrible, selfish people who have asked you to keep your money and just bring your stories and company.

Most of those no gifts do it because they want to be the center of attention and do lots of gifts and expensive ones. If you say no gifts, don't buy your kids anything either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is so simple. If someone doesn't want material things, save your money and let it go.

It's amazing how much materialism is ingrained in people. If someone asks you not to give gifts, just don't give them. It's so sad how boundaries have gone out the window and people are so obsessed with imposing stuff on others.

We enjoy holidays with people we love. The memories, good food and laughter are enough for us. If you want gifts great. If someone doesn't, then just leave them be.

Christmas is about gift giving. We all know that. Sorry, but most people don't even mention Jesus on Christmas. So if you want to celebrate Christmas without presents, go find an Amish family to celebrate with.

You could always just tell your family what's important to you -- what causes you think are important and why you would prefer certain gifts, and explain why you don't want others. That is, if it's really about the environment.

Actually many families have embraced the true non-materialistic spirit of Christmas and not everyone feels Christmas is about giving eachother stuff. A lot of people on here don't want to be told to donate to a charity as a gift, which is why "no gifts' is so simple. Instead of getting in such a tizzy, why don't you take the money you would have spent on "no gift" people and buy yourself something you want or purchase some therapy sessions to constructively vent about those sanctimonious, horrible, selfish people who have asked you to keep your money and just bring your stories and company.

Most of those no gifts do it because they want to be the center of attention and do lots of gifts and expensive ones. If you say no gifts, don't buy your kids anything either.

Your post doesn't make any sense.

Center of attention? We buy our kids three small gifts. Gifts are not the center of attention and neither are we.

- not OP

[Anonymous]

I just ask for consumable things I need: soap, socks, booze, etc.

[Anonymous]

Here's the deal. Gift givers should try to give gifts that the receiver would enjoy, not just what they want to give. On the other hand, receivers should strive to be gracious upon receiving any gift and accept the spirit in which it is offered. my family shows love through time and experiences, my in laws do so via money. Both legit. I accept the love as it is given.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's the deal. Gift givers should try to give gifts that the receiver would enjoy, not just what they want to give. On the other hand, receivers should strive to be gracious upon receiving any gift and accept the spirit in which it is offered. my family shows love through time and experiences, my in laws do so via money. Both legit. I accept the love as it is given.

That is the issue with OP. She doesn’t want to accept the gifts given.

[Anonymous]

So OP, you have nice lovely kind relatives who all give no gifts, and unkind relatives who are unpleasant to be around and give gifts? I find it unlikely that these people fall so neatly into these two groups. Seems more likely that this is your misperception.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You have declined a gift to the giver’s face? Wow.

Just request tickets to things or handmade items or meals out together. Then if they ignore your requests, say thank you and drop it at goodwill.

I had someone do this to me when I first started working. She said that she knew I didn't have a lot of money and she already had too much junk and handed it back unopened. I had given her a silk scarf so I opened it and put it on and walked away