Holidays are near! Time to stop buying stuff!

The holidays are coming, and it is time to start buying gifts and presents. I love to buy gifts and presents, probably because I love to shop, and I love a good reason to shop. I like finding treasures to give my loves ones. It is fun to think of something (big or small) that might give them a smile or be useful to them.  But, over the last decade or so, it has become near impossible to buy something for someone that they need but "haven't been able to get."  I'm sure you have experienced it the same as I.  If you like me, we already own what we want. We buy what we need and don't think twice about getting what we want as soon as we want it. 

The thing is, I am creative enough to find something fun to buy, make or share as a gift for my loved ones even when it seems they have everything.  But, when asked what I want for the holidays by my sweetheart husband, I realized that it might be near impossible for someone to shop for me, because I don't wait to buy anything. If I want it, I usually buy it. (Let me clarify that I don't buy in egregious excess. But, I do shop and do buy stuff I don't need but I still want).

Just the other day I heard an interview on NPR and promptly went home and purchased the kindle version "before I forgot the author and title."  It was only $10, so it seemed like a reasonable purchase.  But, seriously. I just bought a book 5 minutes after I heard about it, in part, because I didn't want to forget the title.  I paid ten dollars for the convenience of not having to remember or, oh say, write down the title of a book someone might be able to buy me for the holidays.  Sure, I will read it, and yes it will be a worthwhile purchase, but I need to show some restraint, otherwise I will buy the world before December!

So, I have made a decision.   I need to go on a buying moratorium.  More specifically, I can't buy something for myself that is for pleasure.  I will still buy food and groceries. But, no more scarfs, shoes, books, socks or candles.  No more.  First of all, I don't need it anyway, but secondly, I want to feel the joy of receiving when the time comes.  I am too accustomed to getting things without a wait, without a struggle, without a moment's pause.  I want to feel the joy of waiting and receiving with relish.

Honestly, I am a little worried that I won't make it until the holidays.  I know it will not be easy for me.  I am embarrassed to say, I am THAT spoiled.  I lead a luxurious life, where my cost of living is low enough that I can afford little things here or there, and so I buy them.  It will be a challenge to not buy.  But, I have to do this. It is time to scale back and to rediscover the pleasure of receiving a gift.

Expect updates. This might be interesting. . .