At risk for sounding ungrateful, I'm writing today about what to do with unneeded gifts. As a teacher, I receive gifts from children every Christmas. I gush over the gifts and hug the children with a sincere appreciation. When I bring the stash home, however, sometimes my heart sinks. What to do with all this?
My former plan was to hold onto things for at least a year in honor of the student who gave. In his book, Clutter's Last Stand, Don Aslett advocates another method. He says that if you've thanked the person sincerely for the gift, you are under no obligation to keep it if it isn't usable to you, or if it will just become clutter. This year, with my simplifying efforts so fresh in my mind, I am letting unneeded things go. I brought a scented candle that my husband would hate to my mother-in-law who loves scented candles. I am putting a couple other items in the give away bin. Sound cruel? I hope not. I love the children and their kindness, but realize that others might appreciate and be able to use the items.
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