For a number of years, I've told people who have been thinking of getting me something for Christmas or whatever holiday excuse they have for gift giving that I'd simply prefer they not get me anything at all. The reaction to often ranges from confusion (i.e., how can you not want gifts?) to exasperation that my insincere "no, no, you don't have to get me anything…" ways just means they will have to be extra crafty in getting me a gift, since I’m not helping them by hinting at what I want. This is when people ask my wife what I want, and she tells them that I told her years ago to stop getting me Christmas gifts. At which point I suspect their heads explode.
Actually, I started doing something similar this year. Mainly because of his first reason, "When I really want something, I buy it." I really do buy myself the things that I want. Also, "it’s money more profitably spent on people who want something in particular, or (if you’re in this frame of mind) to a charity, or just kept in their own pocket." Going along with that charity thing, I set my mom this email:
From: brian@brianpuccio.net
Subject: Christmas
Date: November 17, 2007 9:43:05 PM EST
To: ctpuccio@optonline.netSo I was thinking that since this year my charitable donations have sucked, I'm not asking for anything. If anyone asks what to get me, they can just make a donation to any of the below. Also, another terapass would be nifty.
Thanks!
EFF
Habitat For Humanity
Medecins Sans Frontiers
Free Software Foundation
Heifer International
The Trust For Public Land
International Red Cross
International Medical CorpsI had this list put together and then I read this:
http://www.37signals.com/svn/posts/702-darryl-c-didier
So I'd like to add the American Brain Tumor Association to the list.
Thanks!
