I read something in the NYT recently that I found rather interesting. The writer vowed not to buy any materialistic items for a calendar year.
It sounds overdramatic when you just read that sentence, but I found her reasoning to be rational. I found the article compelling.
In an effort to improve myself, in association with being a more giving person in 2018, I’m going to challenge myself to do the same thing. What’s excluded from my personal challenge will be any kind of food, hygiene items, and souvenirs from when I travel since those items support museums and parks I visit.
I’m also making a one time exception for clothing this month because I’m headed to Chicago and I just don’t have the wardrobe needed for the trip. That’s it.
I already spend so little of my money that I don’t foresee this adding thousands of dollars to my various accounts, but at the end of 2018 I’ll decipher my savings throughout the year and make an additional charitable contribution on top of my monthly donations.
Johnny Reads 
That’s a fantastic idea. I went for something simular for christmas with my son. Still had presents, but also passes for things to do (like exploritorium in sf)
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2017 was the first year in which I didn’t get a single gift. My family did secret santa and I asked for a donation to be made to something important to me rather than a gift I simply don’t need it want.
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