HCB recognized my Christmas despondency and sprang into action, taking over all the buying of retail gifts for his nieces and nephews. I believe we ended up giving books, craft kits, and educational-type things. It's New Stuff, but at least it's not princess-plastic-pesky stuff.
For HCB's parents, we bought some plates and bowls to replace broken pieces from their china pattern. Very practical.
As for my lady friends, you don't know this yet, but you're getting bees. Because the world needs more of them and more of you.
We are now in Southern California with my family, and everyone is SO MUCH MORE RELAXED. My mom especially is loving it. Not buying presents turns out to be the best gift we've ever given each other. I think tonight we're going to make soup and go to a movie. Ahhh.
All told, I have avoided New Gifting in all possible instances, which comes with the immense side benefit of never once entering a crowded mall, trolling for parking on Hayes Street, running up my credit card, swearing at the price of expedited shipping on Amazon, or purchasing a single striped Gap scarf.
I gotta say, eschewing the traditional consumerist Christmas is the gift that truly keeps on giving.
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