This holiday season is going to be thinner for more people – us included. We did some shopping over the year and thus after Rick lost his job I have not had to do anymore shopping.
While this economy is hurting all of us in one way or another. I think it is good for our imaginations. We are forced to be more creative while planning our gifts, dinners, and trips. My mother mentioned about something new this year, white elephant. A brother-in-law is making pumpkin bread from everyone. I tend to make at least one gift each year, because of requests or just desire to make something. This year it is a scarf request from a friend. I was going to make others however; money is non-existent so it will move to birthdays or next holiday season. Mother-in-law mentioned giving away things she already has to those whom would enjoy it most.
There are many food drives and gift drives being hosted by companies and people I know. My mother-in-law is a nurse and her office is doing a food drive. Since we are moving I am going through a lot of our things and decided that rather than moving those ten cans I have not used in the last year, I’ll give them away to people whom will use them. A few business associates “adopted” a family in need this season and provided gifts for the kids.
What have you done that is different this year versus previous years? Are you changing the types of gifts you give? Or the amount? Have you donated? Are you involving your kids in your plans?
Instead of focusing on hardships, focus on the quality time you will get to spend with friends and family. And if you have snow, make a snowman!
I was reading one of my favorite blogs today, UrbanBranches. I love the posts done by the Eco-Fashionista. This time she spoke about her holiday tradition, purging her closet and donating the unworn or unwanted clothing to charity. So I urge you to do the same. I will be doing some of that myself. First, since Rick has lost his job I will try to sell some of the things from around here. But the rest I will hopefully be able to donate and recycle. Another idea would be to give things away to friends. I have done that with some of my skin care products that I cannot use anymore.
Another post I was reading written by the usual UrbanBranches poster, Lindsey. She stated, “It truly is the year of THE THOUGHT THAT COUNTS.” This brought up something that has bothered me for some time. Since we have moved into a better neighborhood, and since I got my office in Mill Creek, I have noticed that people around here are very money focused. I have actually heard people say that it isn’t the thought that counts but the gift. I told Rick that is all us “poor” people have, a sweet thought.
I have heard that a lot. I have heard people complain about getting bad gifts. It makes me angry. Does that mean that a small child cannot pick a dandelion and give it to his mom? Does this mean that you cannot make something or write something for your love? I hope not. So think about it. Are you going to be selfish and tell your friend or lover that you do not like their gift, take it back you want something else? Or are you going to be grateful that someone thought of you and got you a gift, even if it isn’t perfect? Would you rather they do not get you anything? Do you want to be that superficial person?
I hope that this isn’t the only year that the thought must count. We should all go back to that.
