Goodies

[dancerjodi]

I tried to make this year's Christmas season more meaningful and less about stuff, and stress and wasted energy. I am happy to see when it's over that I enjoyed all parts of it - the decorating, the baking, the gift-giving and the visits with family and friends.

I struggled this year with the balance between obligations and being true to myself and my values. This is the first time I haven't sent out a ton of mailed cards (usually about 90 of them are mailed the weekend after Thanksgiving). I tried to think of each person and what they may appreciate, and also what I may appreciate given my relationship with them. We did mail or hand deliver some, but the great majority were sent out electronically. I would like to think that the money I sent to an animal shelter/rehabilitation organization would do more good than slapped on an envelope. This little change made such a difference to me this year, and I'm still trying to grasp the significance in my mind.

People always ask, what did you get for Christmas. I did indeed receive some very special gifts from loved ones, but I don't have the inclination to talk about it. I like receiving things from people, particularly when they were so thoughtful in their giving. I guess I'm enjoying going through my things one by one and enjoying them personally rather than telling you all in list format "I GOT THIS, AND THIS AND THIS AND THIS . . . ". I don't have the need. Thinking through it and putting it out there is too much effort. And really, some of you wouldn't understand how special these gifts are, because you aren't me, so what's the point?

Brian will be in bed for a while because he slept through a good part of the day yesterday and stayed up late. I'll enjoy running some errands while he sleeps and spending some of the gift cards that folks gave me today. RHPS reunion of sorts tonight. And Brian and I are both off of work on Monday. My heart and my life are quite full.

Comments

[roaming.livejournal.com]

I'd love to see the holiday tradition where people ask "What did you give for Christmas?" would warm the cockles

One of my LJ friends volunteered to paint Christmas snowmen and kids and packages on the front windows of the library she works for, to liven it up. She's a good artist. When an elderly woman who visits the library asked if she'd do that (for pay) on the windows of her nursing home, she did, for free. AND the library employees gave hand-made personalized cards to all the elderly folks who tend to spend a LOT of time at her library. One man chocked up, said it was his best present that year. Just being though of and remembered. (Now I'm getting choked up!)

[nepenthedreams]

I appreciate the electronic card (although I couldn't open it til I got to my computer - flash).

I think that I would rather send out heartfelt emails on Christmas (to those who would appreciate it) rather than an Christmas card with just my name signed to it. The important part is letting people know you are really thinking of them, individually. The old-fashioned way, I suppose, was writing out a hand-written card and affixing a stamp. And I know some older folks still feel that they'd prefer a card to email. But newer generations understand that there is just as much feeling in an email.

[dawntreader]

I would like to think that the money I sent to an animal shelter/rehabilitation organization would do more good than slapped on an envelope. This little change made such a difference to me this year, and I'm still trying to grasp the significance in my mind.

that's a really great idea. i spend a lot on cards and stamps too. hm. must ponder this for next year...

My heart and my life are quite full.

sounds like great christmas gifts to me.