Living Simply October Challenge: Day 4 - material gifts

     As much as people will say the holidays aren't about gift giving, we all know that's still the expectation around us. Maybe a percentage of us are coming to the realization that stuff won't make you happy, but the majority of people just aren't there yet - and may never be - so let's talk a bit more on gifts today. (We'll switch up the topics tomorrow.)

     I read a quote yesterday that was in the book Everything that Remains by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, aka The Minimalists. I don't know if I have it exactly right, forgive me if it's off a bit, but I believe it said,

"Everyone is selling what everyone can't buy."  

     Think about what commercials look like in the last few months of the year...What do they look like compared to the rest of the year? Have you ever though about it? During the holidays is when you see ads for the most ridiculous, wasteful, unnecessary gifts companies want you to buy. Remember back when the big seller for Christmas was a singing, wiggling, bass fish to mount on the living room wall? I think it was called Big Mouth Billy Bass. MILLIONS were sold. Do you think it would've sold if advertised around say, mid-February? or early August? No. It sold mostly around Christmas and Father's Day. What about the pet rock that sold for $3.95 in 1974? They sold 1.5 million in just 6 months! Then it suddenly just died out. Remember Billy Bob teeth? fake "redneck" teeth, big spaces, stained, fake teeth? They sold into the tens of millions of dollars and today can be found in 95% of countries across the globe according to articles online. Are these gifts worthy of the "meaning of the holidays" or do people just get caught up in spending, regardless of the poor quality, junk value of cheap fads? I think it's the latter.

     If you're going to give gifts this year, and you are working towards a more intentional, simple, minimalistic lifestyle, then put thought behind what you give, and don't be shy in telling others that you're NOT interested in frivolous, meaningless gifts like those mentioned above. Don't let others waste their money, and don't waste your own, on things that will quickly be thrown out, or stored in some dusty garage or attic never to be seen again until the owners pass away - leaving their children to wonder why the hell they kept junk like that all those years. 

     Be honest with people. Let them know the new path you're on. Let them know that in place of some "expected" gift, you'd rather have time with them (to grab a meal, or a movie, or a project or class together). If they insist they're buying you a gift (like a parent, spouse, kids, etc) then ask for experience or consumable gifts like mentioned in yesterday's blog post. Don't fall victim to the advertising gimmicks. Don't get caught up in the fake hype of holiday advertisers. Be smart with your money, and do others a favor helping them reign in their own finances a little bit. 

The stuff you buy will never make you happy, it's a never-ending cycle. People are seeking fulfillment but material junk will never fill that hole in your life.