Xmas Truce App Gives Gift of No Gift-Giving

Todd Grinham, a creative at Saatchi & Saatchi London, has been taking the stress out of the festive period with an ingenious social project that engineers a mutually agreed veto on gift-giving.

Inspired by the mechanism of ‘secret crush’ apps, Xmas Truce allows you to choose friends on Facebook and declare a truce on gift-giving this season. Until both parties agree, the declaration of truce will be kept secret, so there’s no fear of looking like Scrooge.

 
 Far from being driven by an inner Grinch, Todd created the app to help people reconnect with the true spirit of Christmas. “Somehow over the years, Christmas has moved away from family, festivities and cheer, and a lot closer to…obligation,” he explains. “Finding a spot in a crowded parking lot. Chasing random gifts across seven stores, all while you’re grandma watches Home Alone—all alone—in your living room. We’re not against presents or Christmas. We’re just offering a tool for friends and families who’d rather call off the sometimes unwanted, and often unappreciated gifts, and spend their money and time on the holiday stuff that really matters. Like flying across country to see your favourite cousin. Or donating some of your extra time and/or cash to a good cause. Or just buying a nice bottle of wine to share with an old friend. Whatever’s important to you, Xmas Truce offers you a way to call off the nonsense and call on the cheer.”

To get started, head here: www.xmastruce.org