As you may remember, I’m a wanna be minimalist. As I’ve gotten older and moved a time or two, I appreciate that less stuff equals more space (and less weight).

My husband comes from a family where material possessions and gift exchange are acts of love. I think it’s taken him a bit to get used to my no gift giving policy.

It all started right after my daughter was born and I was going through a divorce. When you have a newborn, no job, and your marriage is ending two months before Christmas, you get an automatic pass on gifts. The next year, I used the same excuse except this time, my daughter had just turned one. By year three, the pattern was established. Now it’s wonderful that I never have to participate in any type of gift exchange. Think about all the time, money, and stress I save as I breeze through the holiday season!

I still give gifts if and when I want. I’ll show up at a party with a bottle of wine and snacks to share. I’m glad to be rid of an obligatory list of people and gifts to manage centered around one holiday.

Now that you’ve gotten my life story and take on material gifts, I’m coming back full circle and stating that acts of service don’t take up room. That’s my love language. Get your S*** done early, done well, and without me having to ask and that’s love.

Joe designed and printed a book of service coupons. Because it was only for five minutes, I had to make a slight modification. After redeeming, he ripped it up so I couldn’t try to reuse it. He knows how I am. I sure do love a coupon and one that I can reuse!