I enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations everywhere, but I don't do gifts or cards. It's amazing how low-stress it gets once you finally manage to convince your family and friends that, seriously, you are NOT doing gifts anymore. Do not get me anything, because I am not getting YOU anything. It sounds mean, but when I see people stressing out at the mall, I feel like I'm doing folks a favor by saying "Take me off your list, and I mean it."
As my kids moved into adulthood, I discussed this reality with them... I don’t really enjoy the stress or work of putting up decorations, putting together cards, having to go out with rude people to “shop.” Two years ago we did a Christmas movie, still with quite a few “normal” Christmas activities. That is now a standing activity; this morning we caught Sherlock. Last year fewer gifts. This year, I told my kids no gifts, I would rather donate and enjoy the time. Son still insisted on one bluray movie, but I am so much more relaxed.
but this planned present stuff I detest....I'm trying hard to get rid of stuff...
made up my mind tonite to even get rid of 40 yro HS yearbooks...
Christmas should be more like Thanksgiving.....food....family...friends....football....NO PRESENTS....
anyway, if anyone is a freeper, he or she is never truely alone....Merry Christmas to all, and I hope that a new peacefulness and happiness comes into everyones heart....because besides the angst with bamey, and all the troubles in the world, we can be totally happy if we just learn to love the little things, the family things, the fellowship things...
“I don’t do gifts or cards.” I do cards but no gifts. Friends and I have an agreement to send contributions to each others’ favorite charities.
Sending cards is fun for me. No Christmas letters. Just a little personal note.
Life is good!