I know I’m not the only one disenchanted by all of the overconsumption that goes on this time of year (and lets face it- all year!). The pressure to buy gifts we can’t really afford, or buying gifts for people that they don’t even like, need, or want is self imposed; and guess where it all ends up? The trash or the donation bin! Sure, meaningful gifts can be a big part of the holiday celebration, and I am not advocating for a zero gifting Christmas, but maybe it’s time that we Americans take a hard look at how and what we are purchasing.

I have been inspired by some of my online reseller friends to put together thrifted gifts for family this year. Almost everything we buy new can be found secondhand and there are countless benefits to purchasing preowned. You’ll save money, you’ll save items from the landfill and you will be able to reserve your cash for supporting local business instead of Amazon or Walmart.

I went to the thrift over the weekend looking for murder mystery books to include in the gift baskets I am putting together for the guys in the family. The store had all of their holiday items on display and let me tell you it was overwhelming! They had trees, stockings, ornaments, plush animals, clothing, pillows, dishes, art, books…you name it, they had it! Vintage, new, classic, modern. There is literally no reason to buy new if you don’t want to. Even the charity shops are overrun with people’s cast offs! The sheer amount of “stuff” people get rid of the week after Christmas is out of control.

Now, I am not saying it isn’t nice to buy a new item that you know someone will love when you see it. And my family orders from Amazon and shops at Walmart too. But honestly, its just depressing when you look into the waste and the toxicity involved in producing all of this, this..crap!

So my Christmas wish this year is that your pause and consider creative ways that you could gift your loved ones. If you are blessed with an artistic talent try making something. And if the thrift store isn’t your jam maybe buy an experience like a massage or a round of mini golf. And as lame as giving a gift card can feel, at least the recipient can use it on something they really want or need. I’ve found if you get crafty with the envelope or tiny box for the gift card it can feel really thoughtful.

At the end of the day, Christmas is about Jesus, not the new hot item that will end up buried in the closet by the next time Santa visits. Focus instead on creating the perfect holiday party playlist, reimagining the decorations you already own, and being present with the ones you love, not stressing over presents!

If you have any ideas or inspiration to add to this conversation, please drop them in the comments! Have a beautiful day!