No Christmas Christmas

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:54 am

This is the year I finally did what Ive longed to do always. I havent stepped my foot in a store. Havent purchased one baulbe, ball, or piece of ribbon. Weeks ago I finally had the courage to tell the people in my life who have everything, that I was giving them nothing. Instead I made a donation to our Blue Ridge food bank on behalf of all of them. I will put money in a card on Christmas Eve for each of my two grandchildren. Since I was very young Christmas has made me feel bad. I was always very aware of the pained and strained faces on people, walking through malls, suffering because they didnt have the means to buy their kids everything ( or sometimes anything that they wanted) At a very early age I realized... What Nonsense. Nonsensical to designate a day that would hang over the poor like a guillotine.. causing worry and grief over money. This year people are struggling to pay the high prices for gas and FOOD. Our country has brought us to the point where survival for many people is a full time job. And Walmart... The Big Satan, I would wish that they not make one stinkin sale. I predict that this will be the worst year that retailers have ever seen. Christmas season IS a magical time of the year. I love the way the whole world gets quiet on Christmas Eve. If you step outside when the sky is dark, and the world is sleeping.. you look up at the black sky, sprinkled with stars, and it seems like the earth is speaking to you. To me it says " Be so grateful that you have enjoyed another year of life" I get goose bumps, and tears in my eyes, as I think " Please allow me many more" To enjoy breathing, and the sun, and my gift of sight, and hearing. More years to do kind things for people I know. And more time to give and receive love. This Christmas Eve, I will be alone. Chrismas day, as well. I will be grateful that my apartment is toasty warm, that I can enjoy some hot food, a warm bath, and a cozy bed. Very grateful because it is becoming more difficult every year to have even those simple pleasures.

I will be thinking of all of you, hoping you have those things as well. You have all given me much pleasure over the past few years. And I will also be thinking of those who have nothing. Realizing how fortunate I am, and resolving to perhaps do some small thing this coming year to help. I am aware that if I had unlimited funds my outlook might be different... but I dont think so. It would still be impossible not to see that our world has gradually been divided into two groups. The haves and the have nots. This coming year Id like to see that change. Learning to live with less, and to purchase less, and to not support huge stores that are the corporations that are eating our country up a bite at a time, could be the beginning of change.

kayleneaussie · Post by **kayleneaussie** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:00 am

wow what can I say....I do agree Christmas is over commercialised and there is so many families out htere suffering. For me Christmas is having the family to gether and giving love and pressies to my foster children...who have suffered so much in their short lives, to see their eyes light up as they look at the christmas tree with their present waiting for them. I hope you enjoy your day and giving to those less fortunate is a wonderful gesture :-4

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:10 am

I do believe in Christmas for children. And I would love to have children who have had nothing to give something to. I just feel for adults who still feel the need to give and give things... where nothing is needed. Its just so meaningless.

PurpleChicken · Post by **PurpleChicken** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:31 am

It's sad that it is so commercialised. Makes people like they have to buy lots of pressies for everyone and spend ridiculous amount on entertaining. I prefer to view Christmas as a time to spend with family and friends. one of people's greatest gifts is their time, so we should be grateful if they just share their day with us.

I too always try to donate to charities at Christmas to help those less fortunate, but I congratulate you Weeder on being brave enough to take a stand and donate on behalf of other people. Always something I have thought of, but have not done.. I'm sure there will be many people out there who will be indebted for your generosity this Christmas. Enjoy yours you :yh_star

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:37 am

I think many people feel the way I do, but are unable to follow through.

A few incidents finally pushed me to hold my ground this year.

Firstly, last month a friend of mine told me that our local area food bank, had run out of food and that our county had many many children who were hungry. I couldnt believe it and I felt so bad.

Secondly, like you each year I struggle to come up with ideas for gifts I can afford for people who need them like a hole in the head.

Thirdly, this Thanksgiving I saw the faces of people in the supermarket, stunned at the prices, and struggling to get everything they needed.

And lastly... after years of putting myself in a financial hole for my kids at Christmas... they are two young men that lack gratitude for what they have, and have no awareness of the misfortune of others. When I see the amount of money wasted on Tinsel, and balls and doo dads for .... well, for what exactly?? Do cd players and wide screen tvs and jogging suits have some kind of spiritual meaning???? How wonderful it would be if every single person bought NOTHING... just once, one year. Maybe the whole world would change.

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:40 am

PurpleChicken;742010 wrote: It's sad that it is so commercialised. Makes people like they have to buy lots of pressies for everyone and spend ridiculous amount on entertaining. I prefer to view Christmas as a time to spend with family and friends. one of people's greatest gifts is their time, so we should be grateful if they just share their day with us.

I too always try to donate to charities at Christmas to help those less fortunate, but I congratulate you Weeder on being brave enough to take a stand and donate on behalf of other people. Always something I have thought of, but have not done.. I'm sure there will be many people out there who will be indebted for your generosity this Christmas. Enjoy yours you :yh_star

Believe me, my donation is very small. And Im not wanting to be a hero. Its a statement. Its taking a stand. And its using the littleest amount to do some good. Its really food for my conscience, and to make up for years of selfishness and ignorance.

PurpleChicken · Post by **PurpleChicken** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:46 am

weeder;742013 wrote: Believe me, my donation is very small. And Im not wanting to be a hero. Its a statement. Its taking a stand. And its using the littleest amount to do some good. Its really food for my conscience, and to make up for years of selfishness and ignorance.

And if we all made the same stand and made a donation, no matter how small or large, then imagine how wonderful Christmas would be for everyone!

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:03 am

Heres another example of how our world works.... and what I mean..

Our local library has had a sign up for weeks....

GREAT GIFT IDEA FOR CHRISTMAS... GIVE A LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP 10.00

I said." Great idea. Ill give you 30.00 for three memberships. for 3 people who cant afford to join. OH NO, They said. These gifts are designated for people you buy them for. I said, " I dont know 3 people who cant afford to join the library. Id like to give the memberships as GIFTS. Well, it doesnt work that way. But its a good idea for the future to present to the board.

PRESENT TO THE BOARD. Stupid, stupid people.

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 6:49 am

:yh_clap:yh_clap

I hate shopping at Christmas time. Even though it's the time of year to be joyous and happy, it seems folks are even more rude and in a rush. I went shopping this past Sunday and hated all of it except for 5 minutes of the day. The 5 minutes was when I stopped to drop a toy in the Toys for Tots bin. When I dropped off the toy, the two Marines that were standing there were so friendly and thankful.

It makes me so sad to overhear someone on their way out the door of the store to say something like, let's go out this door, there's no guy ringing a bell. Huh! Your laden down with packages, I'm sure you can spare the loose change in your pocket for the Salvation Army.

Good for you Weeder! Your doing something many of us haven't the guts to say or do! :guitarist

Chezzie · Post by **Chezzie** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 7:44 am

Thats a fabulous Gesture Weeder and one many of us who are bogged down with the consumer hell of christmas shopping would love to do too. Instead we are getting so stressed and tired we tend to forget its about family and spending quality time with each other. Im sure your donation will be bringing some joy this christmas.:-6:-6:-6:-6

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:31 am

This is the second year in a row that I haven't bought one present by the 15th of December, and basically because I don't have the money. I want to buy gifts for those that are close to me, but something that is meaningful. I used to buy all kinds of junky stuff through the years, just for it to eventually get thrown in a box or in the trash. I don't have money to throw away.....I am struggling to keep lights on and food on the table...and faced with having to find another home soon....the last thing I'm interested in doing is wasting money.

I talked to my kids last night and we discussed gifts that Mom can buy for them....under $50.00....which is laugh-able!! My kids know money is tight for all involved and they are happy to have a home at this point.....spending enormous amounts of money on people is not what it is all about.....

Weeder said it much more eloguently....I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas!:-4:-4

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:01 am

jimbo;742075 wrote: ww you have just brought a lump to my throat

i can only get my daughter a prezzie this year but she is 11 so that is ok :-6

there are a couple of other kids i will buy things for but they are special this year

christmas is not all about how much money you give for gifts

its about how much love the gifts are given with :-4

I agree....A friend told me long ago, that she gave her children the same amount gifts that Jesus received. They got 3 gifts and that was it. I am lucky to do that....but my kids know that I love them, and even if I had a lot of money....I wouldn't spend it on stuff that they don't NEED!

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:18 am

WonderWendy3;742089 wrote: I agree....A friend told me long ago, that she gave her children the same amount gifts that Jesus received. They got 3 gifts and that was it. I am lucky to do that....but my kids know that I love them, and even if I had a lot of money....I wouldn't spend it on stuff that they don't NEED!

I will admit I spoil my kids some. I do it cause growing up most of our gifts were homemade by my grandma. Store bought gifts came from aunts and the Jaycee's or Lions Club. And of all the Christmas gifts I've received as a child, the two I still have are dolls my grandma made me. :-4 They meant the most.

Christmas has gotten to be about the latest greatest gotta have it toy, and a handmade toy would not be appreciated I think by most children. Which is really sad. I'm guilty of the latest greatest toy saga.

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 9:43 am

Really good thread, and hats off to weeder. There are just too many pressures put on people these days for them to buy the "right" gift, and how much they spend, etc. etc. I have already told my husband, don't buy me anything, I don't need clothes nor jewelry. And as far as me buying him something, we will probably just go out the day after Xmas and see whats on sale. We have two grandkids, which were giving $25.00 each to and that is it. The kids these days have so much, they simply cannot appreciate anything. Christmas for me has become too commercialized, which means pain for far too many people.

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:11 am

Merry Christmas Weeder..

I so agree, I buy a few things for my Nephews Family - I pick things up through out the year - nothing expensive.

I send a box of Grapefruit & Lemons (from my yard) to my family & Friends.

No fruit cake..

I said I wasn't going to do that - my husband loves Christmas - he made me do it..

Its his fault

Ho Ho Ho

Patsy

kayleneaussie · Post by **kayleneaussie** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:34 am

We agreed many years ago to stop buying for the Adults as we just couldnt afford it. I buy for the grandkids but just a small gift, as they know I love them them to death but I am guilty this year of over buying for my 2 foster babies who are 4months and 9 months but I dont care as they deserve everything I got them.

I hope you all have a have a happy loving peaceful day and give a thought on this day to those less fortunate than us :-4

mrsK · Post by **mrsK** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 1:12 pm

kayleneaussie;742140 wrote: We agreed many years ago to stop buying for the Adults as we just couldnt afford it. I buy for the grandkids but just a small gift, as they know I love them them to death but I am guilty this year of over buying for my 2 foster babies who are 4months and 9 months but I dont care as they deserve everything I got them.

I hope you all have a have a happy loving peaceful day and give a thought on this day to those less fortunate than us :-4

Those babies have the best present of all....."you" but a few more presents won't hurt them by the sound of things:-4:-6:-6

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 2:09 pm

The commercialization of Christmas has always been. At least for the last 30 years. It's not new. I finally decided there was no perfect present in the world that could express my love and regard for someone so about ten years ago I decided I'd start having Cmas the way I wanted to have it and not the way Hallmark commercials said I should. I exchange gifts with my dad and my two best friends and send out a few cards. I don't dress to the nines anymore, I don't go to parties, I don't make it a hectic day anymore. It's much nicer this way.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:02 pm

Great thread. That was my point in asking in another thread, "Why do we give gifts?" Christmas is not supposed to about the presents. It's about counting your blessings. There is nothing that I want for Christmas that I don't receive the whole year round. I know I am lucky............and I do count my blessings.

Merry Christmas, Laura.

grh · Post by **grh** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:03 pm

:wah:Man! I hate to say this, but Christmas is my Holiday!

I never ask what anyone wants and I've never returned a gift(wrong size, too bad, it's mine!:D) Doesn't bother me if they return something I get them, but nope, not me.

Half of the fun is getting them something I know they can use and half of the fun is getting them something really stupid that they have to pretend to like.

I always try to have little gifts that I leave anonymously for folks that I enjoy working with. They have no idea I do it. I'm not talking big bucks either.. I'm talking McDonald's or bking or subway certs... just little things so that they get to stop and realize that someone likes them enough to think of them.

I take my daughter shopping for her dad and his side of her family in addition to my older kids and their children. I think it's important that she understand the joy of giving and the fun to be had in surprising someone. It may not be much, but when she can tell them why she wanted to get them a screwdriver or new coffee cup, they and she understand the 'thoughtfulness' that went into it.

I'm not into religion and I'm not into commercial. Christmas to me is in the giving. I don't get for someone out of obligation... never have, never will. If you do, you're heart can't really commit to the act, IMO. Christmas is that gasp of surprise- for the unexpected gift.

I don't like this time of year. I prefer Christmas to happen all throughout the year rather then on one day.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 3:11 pm

Christmas is a happy day, to be with family and friends. To be thankful that we are alive and breathing, and surrounded by those we love.

Commercialization-never go into it, I don't spend too much. There is more delight in receiving a lovely card or gift from a friend, then the frentic lines at the mall. Christmas is not there, but in the heart.

Rapunzel · Post by **Rapunzel** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 5:50 pm

weeder;741980 wrote: This is the year I finally did what Ive longed to do always. I havent stepped my foot in a store. Havent purchased one baulbe, ball, or piece of ribbon. Weeks ago I finally had the courage to tell the people in my life who have everything, that I was giving them nothing. Instead I made a donation to our Blue Ridge food bank on behalf of all of them. I will put money in a card on Christmas Eve for each of my two grandchildren. Since I was very young Christmas has made me feel bad. I was always very aware of the pained and strained faces on people, walking through malls, suffering because they didnt have the means to buy their kids everything ( or sometimes anything that they wanted) At a very early age I realized... What Nonsense. Nonsensical to designate a day that would hang over the poor like a guillotine.. causing worry and grief over money. This year people are struggling to pay the high prices for gas and FOOD. Our country has brought us to the point where survival for many people is a full time job. And Walmart... The Big Satan, I would wish that they not make one stinkin sale. I predict that this will be the worst year that retailers have ever seen. Christmas season IS a magical time of the year. I love the way the whole world gets quiet on Christmas Eve. If you step outside when the sky is dark, and the world is sleeping.. you look up at the black sky, sprinkled with stars, and it seems like the earth is speaking to you. To me it says " Be so grateful that you have enjoyed another year of life" I get goose bumps, and tears in my eyes, as I think " Please allow me many more" To enjoy breathing, and the sun, and my gift of sight, and hearing. More years to do kind things for people I know. And more time to give and receive love. This Christmas Eve, I will be alone. Chrismas day, as well. I will be grateful that my apartment is toasty warm, that I can enjoy some hot food, a warm bath, and a cozy bed. Very grateful because it is becoming more difficult every year to have even those simple pleasures.

I will be thinking of all of you, hoping you have those things as well. You have all given me much pleasure over the past few years. And I will also be thinking of those who have nothing. Realizing how fortunate I am, and resolving to perhaps do some small thing this coming year to help. I am aware that if I had unlimited funds my outlook might be different... but I dont think so. It would still be impossible not to see that our world has gradually been divided into two groups. The haves and the have nots. This coming year Id like to see that change. Learning to live with less, and to purchase less, and to not support huge stores that are the corporations that are eating our country up a bite at a time, could be the beginning of change.

Laura, my sweet, you have a warm and wonderful heart and a beautiful soul!

If you would like to pm me your home phone number, I would love to ring you on Christmas Day and send you a hug down the phone.

Happy Christmas, dear friend,

Love Melanie. xxxxx

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:37 pm

Melanie!!! Now that was a gift.. hearing from you. And a compliment from you is like a big box wrapped with a bow, because you are a generous and giving human being. I do hope you are all well and that things are good for you all. I will send you my number. I havent forgotten about the hamster hogs?? Or The Isle of White. Someday.......

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 8:45 pm

oops Hampshire Hogs.....:wah:

Richard Bell · Post by **Richard Bell** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:10 pm

I work in a large department store at the mall. It pays the bills, but it certainly isn' t my dream job, and I don't plan on spending a lot of time there.

So, last Sunday, we had the worst snow storm since the turn of the century. (Until this year, winters were pretty gentle here for several years.) The store had anticipated a $150,000 day, but ended up with a mere $50,000.

Well, there was a good deal of whinging about it at this morning's meeting. The suits were pretty antsy about it.

At the same meeting, one of the young sales associates gleefully mentioned that her dad had just returned home from military service in Afghanistan. Somebody asked if he was home for Christmas, and she gushed "no, he's home for good".

That was a hell of a lot more meaningful to me than the news that $100K of Chinese made merchandise wasn't pushed out the doors on Sunday. Puts things in perspective.

Kudos to Weeder for taking a stance. I did it a few years ago.

Here's a great website that promotes the philosophy :

www.xmasresistance.org

Attached files

Patsy Warnick · Post by **Patsy Warnick** » Tue Dec 18, 2007 10:48 pm

Richard

Loved your story..

Patsy

weeder · Post by **weeder** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:05 am

Loved the website Richard. The ramifications of this whole retail merchamdising campaign are wide and deep. Small little local merchants who might have sold a piece of cheese and some fresh bread.. or a handful of sweet little candy sticks, or a jar of homemade jam, are going under daily. Unable to survive as they are swallowed up by the corporations that are selling junk and employing workers at minimum wage. Workers who are forced to take these menial positions, because they have no where else to go. People are in denial. Deep down everyone knows that the charm, and the excitement of what once was a special time is long gone. Thats why nowdays its over in the blink of an eye. On December 26th, the stores are ready to switch to spring and the march to promote continued sales goes forward. My final stand on ignoring Christmas actually began a few years ago.

I started unloading possessions. and began living my life as what I call a minimilist. I accumulate nothing, buy very little, and have no desire to own 9 pairs of shoes, or 6 sets of dishes. Once we free ourselves from the longing for material things, there is more time to connect with people, and to have encounters that will last a lifetime. I do realize that for many people ( not all) Christmas is a drug. A brief respite from the pressures of life, and an excuse created by hype to over spend with a clear conscience.... because its what they must do. Thank you all for your positive responses. And for reinforcing what I knew... that many of you feel the way I do.

I wish you all a season filled with starry nights, burning logs, hugs and kisses from loved ones... and a New Year that promises good health, sound minds, and the opportunity for the kind of prosperity that will give you peace. It is my heartfelt wish that everyone will get something that they want. The recovery of a loved one, the return of someone from the war, the love of their children, or the forgiveness of a lost friend. There is one thing Id really like to have.... Ive wanted this for almost 40 years. The return of my 2 front teeth that I lost in a car accident when I was 16. If anyone can give me those back..... Ill take them happily. No need to wrap them. Just put them in an envelope, and send them right away. :wah: