My children and I sat down a few weeks ago and I told them that this Christmas is going to look different. Instead of buying toys and knick-knacks that are a waste of money and a massive burden to break down in the environment, we are foregoing the consumer consumption. My family is gifting each other with events. My two children are making lists of their favorite things they like to do, like going to the movies or an arcade, and these events will be the gifts they receive. They can choose any day they like to go and make the choices, which they both love. There was no argument or debate, they were both excited for the change and eagerly went to work on their list of events.
Spending time together is the best gift of all. Children want nothing more than quality time with the people they love. Material things do not matter, time does.
Here are some ideas that are fun and cost effective:
Star gazing as a family. Make it fun and they can win a prize for the most constellations. You can also keep an eye for meteor showers and astronomical events.
Movie night. Let the kids pick the movie!
Baking together. Share family recipes, teach your children to bake, and enjoy what you made.
Family park day. Bring some play equipment and a picnic and enjoy the outdoors together.
Family hike. Take your kids out in nature! Please do not push kids to go your pace or distance, this is for enjoyment of nature and not to break a sweat. Keep this enjoyable for everyone and go whatever distance they can. Learn about plants in your area and how you can help the environment as a family.
Art day. Gather your art supplies and create masterpieces as a family.
Karaoke or Sing-off. Sing together and get silly. You can make it a competition or just enjoy the beautiful music your family makes.
As for myself, I will be making donations for humanitarian organizations to help Palestinians, Congolese, Sudanese, West Papuans, and the Uyghurs in lieu of gifts for friends or myself. Write a donation in the name of your friends or family that you would normally give a material gift to and let your loved ones know how it will help these people suffering from atrocities. We will take nothing with us into the next world but our hearts and souls, not the things we’ve accumulated but the help and love we have shown others. This is the time of year to put those words into action.
Reduce your consumption and increase the love of this world and the people in it.