Kev Kennedy's Blog

Tis the season to be stingy!

I have taken a bold step this year and told people I’m not buying presents for them. It’s okay – I’ve also released them from their obligation to buy anything for me. But even so, it’s an etiquette minefield ending reciprocal present-giving.

Some have been a little bit offended. As if I was saying I don't care enough to give them something. But the truth is, I don’t want my friends and family spending money they don’t have to on stuff I don’t need. We’re all in enough debt already without Christmas adding to it.

The real meaning of generosity is sharing what you have, not going in hock to buy additional tat to fill each other’s houses. Spending time together, watching a Christmas film, even something as old-fashioned as family charades – these are what memories are made of. Not being bought another pewter tankard full of golf tees, or a comedic ‘phone sock’.

In fact, I’m packaging my ‘present’ to people as “Freedom from obligation”. It could be the best gift I ever give.
 

Created on Mon 7th December 2009 11:55