how are you going to celebrate Christmas

blindfool

The news from this weekend seems to be that retail sales were great this weekend. Walmart set new records for sales. Thats great news for the US economy!

However, I have heard from some friends that contributions to charities are down. My mothers church is way behind in their contributions to their Christmas for the needy program. One of my best memories of celebrating Christmas was the extra time our family spent during this season trying to help others.

I know a lot of you haven't celebrated Christmas in the past, a lot of you may not celebrate this year. This is your choice. There are a lot of people who won't celebrate this year because they can't.

Here's what I'm going to do this year. A local radio station gathers toys for the needy this time of year. They have children who are in foster care or otherwise wards of the state, and they ask them what they would like for Christmas. Then the radio station announces the childs name and their wish list and asks listens to donate the items on the childs list. I've always wanted to donate and this year I will.

So, anyone else ready to get on this bandwagon? I bet every local community has similar programs.

Joyzabel

Good idea, BDF!

I like the thought of giving than trying to make up for all the "gifts" lost from years ago.

Hugs,

j2bf

TresHappy

I am not in the mood to be so self-indulgent this year. What I am in the mood for is to see people get their jobs back and/or new employment. Too many of my friends are doing without this year and it's very sad. Let's all count our blessings that we have jobs, loved ones and a roof over our heads. Just my two cents worth.

Mary

Well, my familys coming over.......but half of them are still Dubs so we won't be exchanging any gifts......but I exchange gifts with my co-workers and I usually give to the needy at Christmas time...........thanks to your post, I think I'll try to give more this year......

p.s. I can't say that I'll be spending any time in Service though! LOL!

imanaliento

we put off x-mas for 12 or 13 years, so this is going to be big at our house, I usually buy what everone needs when they need it, so this time if one of the boys needs new shoes, clothes or headphones they have to wait and get it all wrapped up.

I have though given more generously to the salvation army and may help out at an open door shelter, at the open door place, the people that stay there have to do some kind of work so it's going for someone who will be productive.