Cross posted at Employee Evolution
Tis the season where family and friends start asking the dreaded: what do you want for Christmas? My parents finally dropped it on me. I was actually talking to Rachel about this and she made a very excellent point:
At this stage in my life I don’t need more “things.” I’m at a stage where I value experiences over things.
Brilliant. As a student of the uber-successful Tim Ferriss I agree entirely that I’d much rather a few bucks towards a ski-trip in Canada over a few bucks towards a new suit.
In twenty years am I going to look back and remember how nice that jacket looked? No, I’ll stop and remember the great time I had in Bamf. Besides, our society defines gifts as expected and necessary. That defeats the purpose to me.
Besides, we have too much stuff anyway. This year I’m going to ask someone to donate to a cause in my name or sponsor my upcoming adventure. That sounds like a pretty good wishlist to me.
You’ve got it right, Devin.
Travel experiences have real life value, and are so much more lasting than ‘things’.
Adventure beats the hell out of new clothes.
Thanks, Vince. Have you had any adventures lately?
Last October I traveled for three weeks in Argentina. I spent most of my time in the big cities, but the big adventures were horse back riding in the Andes and a bicycle tour of wineries in Mendoza.
The Argentines are such carnivores and good wines are so cheap that I gained 15 pounds. Somehow, all my clothes still fit.
I didn’t make it to Patagonia, but I plan to next trip down there.
BTW, I think your snow blog looks sharp, even though I don’t snow ski.;-)
I have enough ‘things’ too. I don’t want or need money for a trip for the experience, though. If people want to give me gifts, I want thoughtfulness. I don’t want gift cards. I want someone to really think of me for even a few minutes and their gift reflects that. One of the best gifts I ever got was a wheelbarrow. Now I know that sounds idiotic to everyone else but I like gardening and my wheelbarrow was very old and rusted out. Another real good gift cost all of $1. My (now) grown son bought me the ugliest pair of earings known to Man at the Dollar Store because I had just pierced my ears. I have kept those ugly earrings for almost 20 years.
@Vince: Excellent! My girlfriend and I have actually talked (she really wants to go) about a trip to Rio. I may come to you for advice. ;)
@Cheryl: I feel the same about thoughtfulness as I was alluding to with the thoughtfulness. Some people (parents) deserve a break though–they’ve been giving out thoughtful gifts for over 20 years now, haha.
Anytime, Devin.
I completely agree with this. A lot of friends and I have decided to “do something” together instead of getting each other material gifts. We’ll go out to dinner, or to the theater, and each pay half (essentially paying for ourselves, but we like to think of it as paying for each other)- it’s definitely more fun than getting a new sweater.
Although I love new sweaters…
I think that’s perfect, I’m hoping to do something like that too. Or just take an hour to catch up with a friend over drinks.. that seems like a worthwhile gift to me.
I always have a hard time coming up with wishlist items too — I tend to buy whatever I need as far as smaller ticket items and contributing money to a large ticket item fund isn’t as fun for my mom. :) Although, I do need a backpack for a spring yurt trip…
A couple years ago, some friends and I each pitched in $20-$40 then went Christmas shopping for a family. I’m not sure which organization it was through, but we were provided a wishlist including clothing sizes. It was a ton of fun. I’ve changed cities since then, but I need to find a similar organization here.
Hmmm, that’s a great idea. I’ve read about this and sometimes fire stations will do that. Of course there’s always buying toys and dropping them off at Toys for Tots locations (like outside of Wal-Mart).
This is pretty far out but all communities have an “Adopt a Family” type program. It is usually run by places like the Red Cross. All residential treatment facilities have a program that you can get a gift for a child there. All nursing homes also have the program and yarn or large print books is always appreciated. Hospice Care is the other agency that has folks that are grieving the death of a loved one and do not have the emotional energy the holiday season requires. The thing is; there are folks in a variety of living situations that appreciate and ‘need stuff’. Not expensive just thoughtful.
Oh, I forgot to add. If people reading this don’t know or where to connect, there is a fast way to do it. Call your local newspaper or Chamber of Commerce.