All I Want for Christmas...

Well, it’s that time of year again when families come together to visit, celebrate, and participate in the annual gift exchange. Yes, the annual gift exchange where friends and family take turns unwrapping packages trying to project a sense of surprise and elation while at the same time swallowing the reflex to blurt out, “Nice! Look at this piece of crap! Just one more [insert article of clothing] that will never see the light of day from the back of my closet!” Yes, the annual gift exchange where friends and family reacquaint themselves with the notorious gift receivers in the family, people with no shame like the re-gifter: the person that can’t seem to recall that a close relative gave them that same toaster oven last Christmas; or my favorite, the gift exchanger: the one that feigns enthusiasm knowing full well that he or she intends to trade everything in for store credit the following day. God forbid you give that individual anything not purchased at Target or Macy’s! Of course, by far the worst individual is the one that does not ever supply a ‘gift list’. Could there be a more annoying name to pull for the gift exchange? Really, what is so hard about answering the question, “So… what do you want for Christmas?”

Now, I speak from experience because I am familiar with this type of person. Alright, I am that person. I don't like gift lists, but let me explain why.

First, I am an adult who has a little money, not a lot, but enough. If I really need something I’ll go purchase it myself. Second, I like surprises and I think a gift list spoils the surprise. I understand that a gift list is as much about avoiding unwanted gifts as it is about requesting things you wouldn’t ordinarily buy yourself but I’m sorry, any person that enthusiastically exclaims, “Oh, Wow! Thanks! It’s just what I wanted!” upon opening a gift that was on their gift list either suffers from dementia or is easily amused. Third, I enjoy the effort someone puts in to the gift as much as, if not more than the gift itself. Honest. Finally and most importantly, I have few WANTS and I NEED very little because I am, in a sense, a very rich man. I live in a gorgeous part of the country with spectacular scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities. I have a sound mind (debatable) and never want for food or shelter. I have a wonderful family. I have everything I NEED. More ‘things’ won’t make me happier. This doesn’t mean that I don’t WANT. There are many meaningful things that I yearn for, but most, if not all are things that no one can give me. They are things that I must seek out and provide for myself.

I know what you’re thinking: “Gaad! It shouldn't be this hard! Answer the question. What do ya want?” Hey, if it was easy it wouldn’t mean as much. Right?!

So, what do I want for Christmas? This year I would like to break from the traditional materialistic gift-giving. This year, because there are so many people in this country and around the world that need food, freedom, and better government, I want to give time or money to organizations that are trying to support change for the better, organizations like Amnesty International, Ecova-Mali, Democracy Now!, The September Project, Rainforest Action Network, etc. It is a gift that can be made in someone else's name and it is a gift that is a Win, Win, Win. The receiver will enjoy the idea of the gift and the time put in, the giver will have learned something about an organization that they maybe didn’t know before, and the organization receiving the financial contribution will be able to continue to do important work. It's hard to argue with that.

Well, enough for now. I hope everyone enjoys the holidays. Be happy, be safe, and Merry Christmas!

P.S. Socks are always a good gift idea too. They’re practical and everyone living in higher latitudes covers their feet during the winter (i.e. send socks).