Have your finances been extremely tight on your family lately? Maybe you’re seriously considering skipping the presents this Christmas, but you’re not sure how to break the news to your family. You could even be in a good spot financially, but you’re wanting to keep Christmas simple this year.
If you’re afraid that skipping out on presents will make you a bad parent, or that your children will resent you for it for years to come, let that be a warning flag to you. But don’t beat yourself up over it, because most parents wrestle with these same thoughts as well.
Keep reading to find out how to have a wonderful Christmas, even if there are no gifts under the tree this year.
Why It’s Okay to Skip the Presents
Before we get started on the how, let’s discuss a few reasons why it’s okay to skip the presents all together. Here are just some examples why it’s okay to have Christmas with no gifts this year.
You might choose to give gifts within your immediate family and ask extended family to share time but not gifts this year. You don’t need to feel guilty about making this choice!
Celebrate the True Reason for the Season
Unfortunately, over the years, America has done a marvelous job of commercializing Christmas in just about every way imaginable. From expensively-wrapped gifts placed under the tree, the magical tradition of setting out cookies for Santa, along with reading stories to our children about red-nosed flying reindeer.
Even today’s “Christmas” songs no longer have anything to do with the true meaning of Christmas.
While all of these things aren’t necessarily bad, we’ve allowed them to become what Christmas is solely about. This year, make your family’s Christmas extra special by celebrating the birth of our risen savior that has brought hope and joy to the world.
Gives You a Chance to Bond as a Family
Maybe it’s just my family, but have you ever noticed that after the last present has been opened, that everyone seems to go off on their own to enjoy their new toys? If you’re not doing gifts this year, it provides you with more time to share with one another as a family, whether you watch Christmas movies, bake cookies, or play games together.
It allows your family to focus on what really matters.
With a Lot of Unknown, It’s Less to Worry About
Our economy isn’t exactly doing the cakewalk right now, while some of us still are struggling to get back on our feet following a couple of crazy back-to-back years. And who’s to say what 2022 will hold?
If you’re in a tight spot this year, there’s nothing wrong with taking a break from buying gifts that you’re unable to afford and going into debt over it. This will be a huge weight off your shoulders financially!
How to Have a Christmas with No Gifts
Christmas is supposed to be about giving, spreading cheer, and smothering friends and family with love and your presence. After all, who needs presents when you’ve got this figured out? These are just a few examples of how you can have Christmas with no gifts.
Start New Holiday Traditions
Get your family excited for Christmas by starting a new tradition with them this year. Some popular Christmas traditions include decorating Christmas cookies, going out to see Christmas lights, sledding as a family on Christmas morning, or buying one or two Christmas presents for a family or child that’s less fortunate.
Besides decorating your Christmas tree, set your nativity scene out in your home as a reminder to everyone that visits, or make it a yearly tradition to attend a Christmas pageant somewhere.
Make a Donation to Your Favorite Charity
While your children may not see it yet, teach them that it’s better to give than to receive. And one of the best places to give a portion of your generosity to, are charities that are set on helping people. Even if your children are young, explain to them how some people are hurting, or are in need of help. This is a wonderful teaching opportunity for you as a parent to show them how to give.
Give Your Time to a Neighbor or a Family Member
Do you have an elderly person that lives down your street, or a grandma or grandpa that’s still living? Touch their hearts by blessing them with your family’s time and presence this Christmas season. You just never know what a visit is going to mean to them, especially if they don’t get much company.
Do Homemade Gifts With Friends and Family
It’s completely up to you, but you don’t have to go entirely cold-turkey with Christmas presents this year. But you also don’t necessarily have to spend any money to do it. Homemade gifts are a wonderful thing to receive from a loved one.
Not only does it show them how much you care about them, but also reveals the time, love, and energy that went into making it so special. Maybe you could knit Christmas sweaters for your grandchildren, or know that your nephew has a particular sweet tooth and would appreciate a small tin full of Christmas goodies?
Simple Handmade Christmas Gifts
Offer Your Skills Instead of a Bought Gift
What gifts and skills have you been given that you could bless others with? It doesn’t have to be something that’s extravagant. Keep it simple. Show a loved one how to make delicious homemade jellies, or teach your nieces how to knit or sew.
Maybe instead of presenting your neighbor with a $5 gift that will be tossed in the trash before next year, offer to shovel their driveway or clean off their car. Better yet, just do it without expecting anything in return.
A Christmas with No Gifts?
The Christmas season is not about the presents, the tree, or even jolly ole’ Saint Nick for that matter. It’s about people, and making wonderful memories with your family, helping those in need, along with giving and sharing your time with the special people in your life.
Hopefully, you’re able to use some of these ideas to celebrate Christmas with your kids without having to buy gifts.
Have You decided to skip Christmas gifts? Can you think of any other ways that would help families get back to what Christmas is really all about?
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