CLICK HERE FOR BLOGGER TEMPLATES AND MYSPACE LAYOUTS »

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Tra la la~

So I've been thinking about Christmas lately and realized it's only a couple months away! We don't go overboard on gifts. It's very minimal. Ever since I was about 10 yrs old, my mom and I would go to the mall and take one of those angels off the tree. The angel was an underprivledged child who, through the salvation army, got presents since their family was too poor. My mom instilled in me, at a very young age, that doing things for people less fortunate is the best gift of all. Growing up, I always had wonderful Holidays and pretty much anything I asked for for Christmas was given to me. I am an only child so that helps:) One of my favorite things to do was to get a present for a child. I remember some of items were typical; cars, dolls, trucks etc...but the ones that really stick out in my mind were for socks, a pillow, winter coat and gloves. We always bought the essentials and of course toys! I always put in the gift a story of what the real meaning of Christmas was as well. I have carried on this tradition with my girls and they love going and getting an angel and shopping, wrapping and dropping off the gifts. Too many people get obsessed with the shopping and buying more "crap" that they don't need. I have a minimalist mindset when it comes to Christmas. I probably got that from my dad. He has always made me stop and think before buying stuff. Do you really need it? Are you really going to use this? My frugalness comes from him and I'm glad he brought me up that way. I was never a spoiled brat and had to work for a lot of my indulgences. He taught me that if you don't have the money you don't buy it. He raised me to be independent and through his hard work we had a very nice life and never went without. Needless to say Brendan and I haven't used a credit card in 6 yrs!!!! My point is that I wish people would get in the spirit of giving to those that are really in need. Don't get me wrong, I love getting a nice bottle of perfume or lamenator(what I want this year) but that's it. A couple of items is just fine. So before everyone gets all "crazy" about the holidays, stop and think about what you truly need and about the quantity of presents bestowed to you. Instead, ask people to donate it to a favorite charity or shelter. Then the true meaning of Christmas will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

0 comments: