How do I explain in email to family that I don't want "things" for Christmas (continued)....?

Question

...Instead, my husband and I would like a donation made in our name to a few charities that we are including in the email. It's hard to write and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or make them feel obligated. I'm just stuck. I have my two charities listed and why they are important to me, with the link to the donation area. I'm including my husbands three also. Any suggestions/comments are welcome. Thank you!

Answer 1

Dear Family,

Each year, someone is bound to ask, "What do you want for Christmas?" Usually that's a hard question to answer, and people often say things like, "Oh I don't really want anything," or "I know I will love whatever you get me." After all, don't we always say, "It's the thought that counts."

This year, I have an answer to that question. In fact, it comes from both of us, and while it may seem unusual, we have talked about it, and this is what we really want this year.

Instead of you buying a present and wrapping it up and sending it, or carrying it - we would like a donation made to one of the charities listed below. We don't need to know how much anybody gave - and we know you may feel awkward if we don't have a package to "open" on Christmas Day. But if you send them whatever you might have spent on us, we think it will make this Christmas a lot more special.

We know you love us - and this year we would like to share that love outside just our own family. We have been deeply blessed - and as we look at our world today, we feel that we really need to do something to help at least some of the many others who have not been as blessed as we.

So talk it over among yourselves. But if you really want to give us something special for Christmas this year, don't fill our stockings or wrap boxes. Help the groups we have suggested below.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Send out an email stating that in the "true spirit of the holidays", you and your husband would like to forego the usual exchanging of Christmas presents. Its a wonderful idea! Some of the older family members may be put off a bit, and not know how to go about making a donation. I'd be sure to put clear instructions on how to do that. Besides, being charitable and so selfless is what Christmas is all about. Congrats on making such a good choice!

Answer 3

First of all, I don't think that's ridiculous at all, in fact I commend you. In a world of people consumed by stuff, it is nice to see someone else think of others-especially on the day we celebrate the birth of the biggest humanitarian ever! It's interesting to find this question because my ten year old daughter was just discussing with me the other day about the possibility of asking for something other than "stuff" this year. We discussed putting away for college and donating to charities[this in light of the fact that she has a girl in her girl scout troop who is fighting cancer]. We decided this year to ask everyone instead of more stuff she does not really need to either contribute to her college fund or make a donation to the local childrens hospital in her friends name. It doesn't matter who's name it is as long as someone does something for someone else! Of course no one has to go along with our suggestion, it's only that-a suggestion. Others in your family who think like and agree with you will be honored. The others who think it's ridiculous, well thank them for their gift, return it if possible and use the money to make your own donation! Have a great holiday!

Answer 4

Why not drop this?

If someone asks you what you'd like then tell them about charities... otherwise, just let people do what they will....

Perhaps some of these family members didn't intend on buying christmas gifts at all? So, if you write to people who might have no intention of a gift, that is being presumptuous.

If you want to give to charities, then do so on your own.

Answer 5

Tell your family/friends that you'd rather have money be used for causes/charity over a gift for you.

All you can do is hope that they do spend the money. Don't expect them to. If you get a gift return it, send the money in after the fact. Causes/Charity's don't get as much "donations" usually threw out the year, except for Christmas time.

I wouldn't expect your family to put it in your name, they should be willing to do it for the fact that you asked them to do it for you. You should not say I want you to put your money in our name, they should do it in there name. That part is being selfish in a way to me.

All you can do is hope that they send money to at least one place that you listed. I wouldn't expect them to send money to all of the places.

Answer 6

Thats ridiculous. It wouldnt even be your money that you are giving to the charities, your family might as well put their own name on it. If you want to give to a charity, save your own money and get the things you need from your family.

Answer 7

uncle john nailed it!