What I want for Christmas

Mom: "What would you like for Christmas?"

Me: "Nothing."

Mom, with a look of horror on her face: "It can't be nothing! I'm buying things for the others! You need to get something too!"

Me: "Thank you, mom, but I really don't want or need anything. I most likely won't use whatever you'd get me."

Mom: "Fine. I'll give you money then."

Me: "You don't need to do that either. I'm good."

Why do we feel that we "have" to get our loved ones Christmas gifts? When did it become an obligation? Even though I'm letting her off the hook, my mom still feels guilty and feels she needs to give me something. In her opinion, it wouldn't be fair to me if she gets gifts for everyone else but me.

My family members aren't minimalists. I don't expect them to have the same philosophy as me. My wants are less than theirs. If I don't get a single gift under the Christmas tree, I won't assume that my mom loves me any less. (Not that my family members would think that either.)

In today's society, when we need or want something, most of us just go out and get it. We hardly ever wait for a special occasion for someone to gift the item to us. So anything I would have wanted or needed, I've already gotten for myself during the year. And this past year has been more about getting rid of things than acquiring them.

The only thing I truly really sincerely want for Christmas is to spend time with my family! Oh, and peace on earth of course. So there are two things - two things I want for Christmas.

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