Joshua and Ryan discuss how to say "no" to Christmas gifts without sounding snobby or standoffish. Watch the full episode on Patreon: • The Minimalists Privat... #TheMinimalists
I haven't been able to convince my in laws that you can just not give gifts. But we've compromised that since we are all adults who can buy whatever we want we can give "boring adult gifts" whether that's a new microwave because someone said theirs was on its last leg. Or a gas gift card for someone who know likes to take day trips with their significant other. And honestly getting a little shop vac for the garage ive been looking at is way more exciting then getting something fun and sparkly that will end up in a future donate pile. We've established what our budgets are and communicate that so nobody is feeling pressured to buy more. We give each other clear issues or products we would find helpful and genuinely want. Then everyone gets what they want even if its something others might be confused about
Now 98 % of the time i say no to gifts. I had to say that clearly to my family that I don’t want any gifts that i wont use or will throw away. I only want things that last for a long time, and if it’s clothes, i will have to donate. Those are my conditions. If it doesn’t last or it can’t be donated later on, I don’t want it
White elephant can also be you regifting horrid gifts you received or ones you don't want/use. The funnest is bringing something from home that is already used. We do this often in Northern Indiana. That's what White Elephant is here. And then like you said, stealing someone's gift etc.
I see gift-giving games as an experience and I am all about having experiences. I agree, it is not about the gift, it is about the game and interacting with others. It is about the reactions that occur when a gift is opened or stolen. I do like the idea of having the gift not just be under $X but also a consumable or experience.
I like the charity gifts for people who really need them ... buy a cow for a poor family, or set up a woman in business with a sewing machine, or a water pump for a village, etc. Aid agencies like World Vision, Tear Fund and Christian Blind Mission (people with disabilities in poverty have double trouble) have wonderful gift catalogues.
This is SO much better than us giving and receiving physical gifts - or even 'experiences', for that matter. The whole gift-giving idea is crazy, so if you feel obliged to go down that route, giving a git to somebody in need (for whatever reason) at least makes it have a real purpose and benefit. This world of ours is in such a poor state, and current consumption patterns by the richest nations are completely unsustainable: we are already starting to see the effects of climate breakdown, and this will only worsen the more 'stuff' we make or buy.
@@gillywillybythesea Agreed, the wealthy minority of the world spend a lot of time and money on weight loss and managing too much stuff, in our excess, while the majority of the world's population live in poverty. And still we keep buying presents for each other and shopping for fun. Greed and debt are socially acceptable now, but they weren't up to the mid 20th century in western culture.
We call the game version White Elephant and sometimes hear it as Yankee Swap. When you have a specific person in mind when buying we call it secret santa.
In my family it is a tradition to bring a gift when you go to someone's home. I much prefer consumables because then it's not going to be left lying around, not adding any value to my life. My partner's friend got us a small glass table which is the most useless thing for us. We live in a small apartment and it takes up valuable space. I would like to donate it but my partner is a hoarder and likes to keep everything we get.
Before I discovered minimalism, I discovered being a cheapskate. I once suggested to my family a Christmas ornament exchange. I got an earful after that.
I think it's a GREAT idea! Then every year you put ornaments on your tree and remember, Oh, so and so gave me this 2 years ago and it brings back memories of that Christmas. So sorry to hear your family wasn't accepting of this idea because I think it's awesome!
My family and I now just exchange consumables for Christmas. Cakes, cookies, and candy. And I (unsuccessfully) am trying to adopt veganism so my aunt usually gets me a gift card for Subway so I can get a veggie sandwiches.
@@AceofRoses510 clarification on this - I send a list to family who have always asked for a list starting with Santa which morphed into sending an email directly but my partner's family I do not send a list and don't know how'd they take it. For example, I always get matching pajamas which I donate/sell to whatever thrift store is closest to me. Oh, if I had kids I'd be entirely different and straight up if you get us anything not on the list then me and my child will then donate it to a child in need or return it. Plus, it would expose the kids to giving up something they have and want. Then, I'd pull the adult aside at the party and mention they didn't stick to the list and that if we can't return it then it will be donated.
