No-gift Christmas: Some embracing it to avoid stress, overspending

The entire process of buying and giving presents at Christmas can create a lot of stress, both mentally and financially. Some experts are suggesting skipping that stress by embracing the idea of a “no-gift Christmas.”

The gift-giving season is often a time when over-spending is the norm, and adding to that, the pressures of food and housing increases in 2024 for some Calgarians.

The need to buy a gift can put a financial and emotional strain on individuals.

According to protocol expert Jeannie Vaage, guilt and obligation are the main drivers for some who believe there must be present under the tree when Dec. 25 arrives.

“If you don’t justifiably think you can spend money on a Christmas gift, or any gift for a family member, be honest and say ‘I’m pulling back this year,'” she says.

Vaage believes many people buy gifts simply because they feel bad that a person bought someone for them.

“Tit for tat is not coming from the heart,” she says.

Vaage says a Christmas card with a thoughtful message can make a great substitute for a traditional gift.

“It still gets the message out that I value you in my life,” she says. “If you don’t value them and you still feel like you have to buy them a gift, then you’re just not being honest with yourself.”

CityNews spoke to some prospective gift givers at a Calgary mall on Monday who said having a budget and sticking to it can help ease the financial burden during the holidays. Others say making a present, other than buying someone something, can also help keep costs down.

One shopper said they can’t imagine not having gifts at Christmas.

“Someone is going to be unhappy during a conflict,” says Vaage. “If you’re going to buy a gift and you can’t afford it, someone’s going to be unhappy.”

“Guess what? It’ll be you when you get that visa bill in two weeks.”