The No New Gifts Holiday Challenge

by Leo Babauta.

Are you ready to participate in the mad shopping frenzy that we partake in every year, not only on Black Friday but all holiday season long?

Are you ready for an incredible burst of spending, for racking up credit card debt, for the stress of buying things for everyone on your list?

Are you ready to consume an insane amount of resources, to have a huge impact on the environment, to work long hours to pay for all that?

Yep, it’s the holiday season again, and with it comes the worst season for consumerism ever.

I say, let’s opt out.

My family and I are issuing a challenge to all my wonderful readers, to the world: The No New Gifts Holiday Challenge.

What is this crazy challenge? It’s simple — follow all these rules:

Buy no new gifts during the holidays.
Wait, whaaat? Don’t fret, there are alternatives:

Make gifts, like crafts or construction type gifts.
Bake or cook consumable gifts like cookies.
Give the gift of your service — wash cars, give a massage, babysit, clean a house, mow lawns, etc.
Buy used gifts at thrift stores.
Donate to charity, as a group.
Volunteer at a charity together.
Have a shared experience together.
Create something, together, instead of consuming.
Give to others things you don’t need (a good sewing machine, etc.).
Find gratitude for what we already have.
Are you in? Take the challenge! It’ll be fun, you’ll save a ton of money, and your family will get creative. Read on.