52 Weeks to Make the World a Better Place: Week 48 - Avoiding Christmas hell I: beating the consumerist trap

It's only just after mid-November, but we're already bombarded with "ideas for the festive season", so here's mine: it seems everyone expects more and more from this season, yet speaking to them afterwards reveals that more often than not, it turns into disappointment. So try this: just inform family and friends (and whoever else) that you're NOT buying presents for anyone, neither do you expect to receive any (OK, different if you've got children, this is really aimed at adults only). If the idea fills you with shock, then you're beginning to learn about the kinds of things that actually rule your life. If you can make the break, you'll feel a huge weight lifted: no worry about spending money you don't have, about choosing the right presents, about when you're going to fit it all in... As well as making you feel happier and more empowered, and by association those around you, it saves on all the unnecessary 'gifts' and packaging. And only send cards to people you won't actually SEE over Christmas. And choose charity or hand-made cards. I could probably go on, but you get the picture!

As an alternative, some non-commercial gift ideas from buynothingchristmas.org.