The Gift of Giving and Receiving
I don’t celebrate Christmas anymore, at least not in the way our modern society does it. But I do love any excuse to celebrate, and the act of giving and receiving gifts still feeds my soul. What’s changed is my intention. I try to be thoughtful in how I approach this season, not wanting to fuel the consumption monster that rages all around us.
Some assume that being more environmentally conscious in how we give means adding stress or extra effort to an already busy season. And yes, being thoughtful does take a little more consideration. But most meaningful things do. It’s less about perfection and more about slowing down and choosing connection over convenience. The truth is, it’s not that hard to swap out the plastic for the natural, or overconsumption for authenticity.
It begins with reflecting on what truly matters to you this time of year and choosing not to be ruled by the expectations of others. Is it togetherness and shared meals? Rest and restoration after a busy year? Expressing gratitude to those who’ve supported you? Or perhaps you want to make the season magical for the children in your life?
Less is more…
I saw a video today of a mother asking her two children to name all the gifts they could remember receiving from the previous year. Each of them struggled to remember, having received so many, yet they each could only recall one gift. Their mother then asked them to recall what holidays they’d taken together, and both children listed a number of adventures they’d enjoyed as a family. At a time of year when parents often feel the pressure to make Christmas memorable for their children, we can lose sight of what truly matters. This video proved the point that creating memories together is a far greater gift than spending a fortune on plastic toys can ever be.
When you know your priorities, it becomes much easier to let go of the noise and nurture what feels aligned with your values.
Here are some small, simple shifts you might try this season to cultivate more connection and reduce the waste this time of year so frequently produces:
Give presence, not just presents. Offer your time, skills, or attention. Cook a meal, inviting others to share in the task with you, creating opportunities for a shared experience of achievement. This is especially meaningful for children, getting them involved in the process of cooking a meal often opens them up to trying more foods. Or consider activities that your family love, but you often put off due to the mess or effort involved. Leaning into experiences over gifts will create lasting memories.
Family visits. Build in activities that go beyond sitting in front of the television together. Take some prepared conversation starters to spark interesting discussions that invite people to share stories about their lives and interests. There are so many amazing conversation card decks available these days, but equally you can just do a little search and make your own list of questions for free.
Bring back the art of sending Christmas cards. But ensure they are recyclable (no glitter or plastic) or even make your own simple cards to write meaningful messages inside. No more “to X, from X” around here, we’re taking Christmas cards as an opportunity to let people know how much we appreciate them.
Create or craft. Handmade gifts, home-baked treats, or a bundle of foraged greenery can carry far more meaning than anything wrapped in plastic. These do take more effort than the one-click buying experience Amazon offers, yes, but handmade gifts don’t have to be complicated. Tune into what people actually value and gift accordingly. If crafting isn’t your thing, there are tons of creatives local to you who’d love for you to buy from them this holiday season. Think local and think independent makers and creators for thoughtful gifts.
Reuse and repurpose. Wrap gifts in fabric, recycled paper, or old maps and magazines. Beauty doesn’t have to come from newness. It’s amazing the treasures you can find in a charity shop, from vintage clothing and jewellery to unique home décor, you’re bound to find far more interesting items second-hand than the plastic versions you’ll find online.
Share abundance. If you have more than enough, consider gifting to a local charity, food bank or community project in someone’s honour. The truth is, a lot of us just don’t need more “stuff” in our lives. But the experience of volunteering together can create memories that last a lifetime.
When we give from a place of thoughtful authenticity, the exchange becomes less about the object and more about the connection it represents. This way of giving feels like an offering; to each other, to the planet, and to the quieter, gentler rhythm of the season itself.
If you connect with the desire to consume less and prioritise connection and experiences, you might appreciate coming along to the This Mortal Life Seasonal Gatherings, which follow the Wheel of the Year and provide eight points in the year where we can pause, reflect and come together for a bring-and-share meal in community. Join us for our next gathering for the Winter Solstice on Sunday 21st December. This event will be in Weston-Super-Mare, venue to be announced any day now!
