The holidays are full of joy, warmth, and… well, sometimes a few too many gifts from well-meaning relatives. If you have a relative who loves to shower everyone with presents, it can feel a bit overwhelming. So, how do you approach this situation while keeping the holiday spirit bright? Here are some tips for handling it with grace and kindness.
1. Approach with gratitude and set gentle boundaries
First and foremost, let’s start with gratitude. A simple, “I really appreciate how thoughtful you are,” goes a long way. From there, it’s okay to express your wish for a more minimal holiday. You might say, “This year, we’re focusing on spending quality time together and keeping things simple. How about we set a one-gift-per-person rule?” Setting boundaries doesn’t have to feel restrictive—it’s about making the holidays more meaningful and less about the stuff.
2. Let go of guilt when you get unwanted gifts
We’ve all been there: unwrapping a gift that just isn’t… well, us. It’s natural to feel a twinge of guilt, but remember, the gift isn’t really about the item itself—it’s about the love and care behind it. Accept it with a warm smile and a sincere “thank you.” You can always re-gift it, donate it, or find a creative way to repurpose it. Focus on the thoughtfulness, and don’t let the guilt take away your holiday cheer.
3. Is it rude to give a gift list? (Hint: It doesn’t have to be!)
Let’s clear this up right away: giving a gift list isn’t rude! In fact, most people appreciate knowing what will make you happy. Framing it as “just a few ideas if you’re interested” keeps it light and casual, and it takes the guesswork out of the process for your relative. You can include a mix of things, like your favorite type of coffee or a gift card for a fun experience, so they have options that fit their budget and style.
The holidays are about celebrating togetherness, not stressing over gifts. With a little open communication and a dash of flexibility, you can keep the focus on what really matters: creating memories and enjoying time with loved ones.
Work hard and be kind, Clutter-conscious comrades!
Love,
Your friends at Cut the Clutter RVA