Beware, Take Care, and Waste Not
Dec 15th, 2009 | By Jody L Weymouth | Category: Economy, Uncategorized‘Tis the Season….
I had planned on writing about decorating for the holiday season on the cheap. The holidays can be so expensive and there are many ways to get through it saving your sanity and your wallet. But, after realizing how much money we have spent on attending holiday events and dinners, I am shocked at what a difference this money could have made in other parts of the world. I am also trying to find that perfect gift for the person who has everything. Many of gifts that we hand out this year are just a gift for the sake of giving a gift. It will likely be something that is not needed or wanted. Am I being too much of a cynic? Maybe I am still remembering all those soaps on a rope I got as a kid.
This year I have decided to embrace the true meaning of the season: peace and good will to man. This does not have to cost a fortune and can make a huge difference.
Volunteering at a local soup kitchen to help serve a holiday meal is just one way to spread some Christmas cheer. A retirement home is also a place that could use a holly jolly volunteer. You could help out at a special dinner or party or even spend a few hours visiting some elderly person who would love some company. Bringing children on a visit would be an extra special treat—nothing puts a smile on a senior’s face like the sight of a child. You would also be showing your children the value of giving back. If you have a special interest, see if you can help out that organization.
When I first started seeing my husband, we discussed Christmas. I love the holidays and greet the season with the same excitement I had as a five-year-old child. My husband was the opposite. He was not nearly as excited, not by a long shot. He hated how commercialized the time had become. However, my memories of Christmas are not of the presents. I could not tell you what I got most years. I do remember that each December my grandmother would come to our house and we would make cookies. I still make the same cookies she taught me to make when I was so young. Every Christmas, my grandfather would cut a tree and bring it to our house on Christmas Eve. After lunch we would decorate it. Days were spent hanging out, watching Miracle on 34th Street (the original black and white version), and eating nuts and Cheesies. New Year’s Eve was usually spent at my grandparents with my cousins and brother. We would go to bed and get woken up at eleven that night. A warm bowl of turkey soup and fresh baked bread was waiting. Then my grandfather would take us all outside at midnight and let us shoot the gun (a Newfoundland tradition). The Grinch had it right: Christmas is not about the presents and stuff.
This year, we have decided to be selfish. We are both exhausted from working so much lately as well as attending countless holiday events. My husband has only been home for four months this year, two at the beginning and two at the end. He is now preparing to leave for another two months. We need to re-charge and re-connect. I envision days making cookies, evening walks in the snow, and nights curled up watching movies or reading a book. Reality may have other plans for us, but we will try. It will cost nothing but will truly be priceless.
Whatever your plans for the season, take some time to remember what is truly important. You may be surprised to discover that the presents mean less than spending time with friends and family. Adding some joy to a lonely person’s day will mean more than anything that you can buy in a store. Decide to push aside the stress of the season. Showing your family and friends how much they mean to you should not have you so stressed that you cannot sleep. Show your loved ones how much they mean by spending time with them—that is much more important than the money you are tempted to spend. So embrace the season and those near and dear to your heart. Spread some cheer and good will.
For those looking for some budget saving tips, stay tuned. I will also be providing some unique ideas for that person on your list who has everything.
Related posts:
