The Retirement Newsletter: Happy Christmas 2024
Issue Number: 186 (39) — Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
Welcome
Welcome issue money 186 (39) — Merry Christmas.
Christmas 2024
Last week in Issue 185 (38), I looked at Christmas prep, and what I didn’t say in that issue was that I have not prepared for Christmas this year. I’m even more disorganised than when I was working. Thinking about it, I believe this is because I managed my time better when working. I planned things out, whereas now it’s more a case of "Well, I’m retired. I’ve got time to sort that out later". — I have a case of the "procrastinate now!".
And this is all a bit old. I’m generally not like this. If anything, I usually over-plan and then still leave things to the last minute. I haven’t planned this year, and I’m still leaving everything to the last minute. Think of all the time I could have saved over the years by not planning.
So much for having free time in retirement to do things leisurely. The way things are going, I will be dashing around in the next few days doing everything I should’ve been doing over the last few weeks. But I’m sure I’ll get there. And if I don’t, it doesn’t matter.
Christmas Bonus Tip
Last week, I posted my 12 tips for Christmas. And those were the same tips I wrote about in Issue Number: -110 — Ramping up for Christmas. However, after the newsletter went out, I thought of a thirteenth and essential tip for Christmas: don’t let the clutter in.
Christmas Clutter
Okay, you’re going to say I’m a bit "bah humbug" on this, but if, like me, you have spent any time decluttering in this past year — see:
Issue Number: 165 (18) — Decluttering in retirement
Issue Number: 166 (19) — Nine types of decluttering
Issue Number: 167 (20) — Sixty-plus tips to help you declutter — part 1 of 2
Issue Number: 168 (21) — Sixty-plus tips to help you declutter — part 2 of 2
Issue Number: 169 (22) — Ten things I have learned about decluttering — a summary
You will have worked hard to declutter your house and, possibly, your life. However, Christmas can be a real challenge, as we receive gifts from friends and family and must find them a home.
Over the years, I have tried:
“Oh, please don’t get me anything this year.”
“Shall we not do gifts this year?”
“How about we donate to charity?”
“If you tell me what you want or need, I will get it for you.”
None of them have worked, as people think I’m joking and not serious. So, I am left with the problem of disposing of unwanted gifts.
Disposing of unwanted Christmas gifts without offending the giver requires thoughtfulness and tact. Neither of which, so I’m told, I have. And while I don’t have any foolproof method for solving the Christmas gift problem, here are some approaches I have tried or thought about trying.
1. Exchange or Return
This I have done — haven’t we all?
If you know where the gift was purchased, check if it can be exchanged or returned (even without a receipt). You can then use the store credit to get something you need.
2. Regifting
I’m not a fan of this solution and have only done it a few times.
If the item is unused and suitable for someone else, save it for a future occasion. However, if it is unique, do not regift it within the same social circle or to the original giver.
3. Donate to Charity
I have only done this after a suitable amount of time in case the giver sees it in the local charity shop.
Many charities accept new or gently used items. Consider donating to charity shops, shelters, or specific organisations that could use the item.
4. Repurpose or Upcycle
This I have not done.
You could get creative by repurposing the gift into something you like or can use.
5. Host a Gift Swap
I have never tried this, but I have seen people talk about it online. It could be a disaster, so it would be best to avoid it.
Organise a post-holiday gift swap with friends or family. Present it as a fun way to exchange items they won’t use.
Have you ever tried this? Please let me know in the comments.
6. Sell Online
This is another thing I have not tried, and it is something I should try as part of my continued battle to declutter.
If the gift is valuable but not your style, consider selling it on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local apps.
7. Recycle or Dispose
This I have done.
Items of no use or value (such as broken items or out-of-date perishable goods) should be recycled or disposed of discreetly.
What to Avoid
Handling unwanted gifts and avoiding clutter accumulation can be tricky and fraught with opportunities to upset and offend friends and family.
It is best not to mention your plans to the gift-giver and to avoid immediately rehoming gifts in front of the person who gave them.
The above strategies may help you manage unwanted gifts thoughtfully while maintaining good relationships.
Please let me know in the comments what you have tried and how it’s gone.
This week in the Retirement Hustle
This week in The Retirement Side Hustle, I look at my go-to editor for long-format travelogue-style videos — Final Cut Pro.
In the video, I briefly demonstrate how I use Final Cut Pro, discuss its similarities and differences to Camtasia, and reveal why I think it is a beast of a video editor package.
The Retirement Side Hustle Newsletter is subscription-based. However, each video includes a free minute or so to confirm its content, and if you subscribe for free, you get full access to one edition.
Nick’s Wanderings — The Grey Wagtail
This week, a nasty encounter on the Oxford Canal between the Grey Wagtail and a bridge…
Useful Christmas Health Links
OK, so this week, here are some links that might be useful over the festive break.
To help you avoid poisoning yourself and your guests with a poorly cooked turkey:
And, if you do become ill with food poisoning, COVID-19 or the flu, you may find these health-related websites helpful:
NHS COVID-19 website — numerous links to information on COVID-19
CDC COVID-19 website — many links to information on COVID-19
NHS — Guidance for People with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19
Next week
Next week, in issue 187 (40), I look back at 2024 — a year of huge change.
Have a great Christmas.
Thanks
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Until next time,
Nick
PS: If you would like to contribute something to the newsletter — a story, advice, or anything else — please get in touch.