Replies

JP, your sentiments are known in my heart as well. I don't "get" the worship of "things" mentality...never have...thankfully. People are surprised when they talk about the things they need...need to get their children, etc. My answer is always the same...my family have all that we will ever "need" with our family, our health, our faith, our friends, and too many real blessings to ever count. We do give one another gifts at Christmas, but we celebrate the real meaning of the season.

In a recent conversation with a co-worker, we were discussing our 10 year old sons. I was telling her how my son asks where we will be volunteering during Christmas. And he and my 8 year old know that part of the money that they receive throughout the year they will donate to a needy family or local charity. With our help they can easily make the determination on where their donation will go. It helps them realize how blessed they are...and that in giving do they really receive. This is how I grew up and I think it has always kept me grounded in reality. I want them to be grounded and take part in these choices now while they are young.

While I know that in some way this shopping boosts our economy, creates jobs for those in the retail sector, etc. I find the coverage and over-the-top need for "things" very distasteful. Makes me pay more attention to keep praying for Iraq, our soldiers, their families, the middle east, our society, our government, etc.