Less Stress at Christmas

Earlier this week, I shared our article about Putting Joy Back into Christmas. I’ve read a few stories in the mainstream media this week that talk about the stress that we all find ourselves in during the Thanksgiving – Christmas time crunch. Not only are there expectations for gift giving put on us by others but we magnify it by setting our own expectations of what we think others want from us.

Here are a couple thoughts:

First – a few years ago, my gift to my sister’s three daughters was a cash donation to the charity of their choice. The girls ranged in ages from 7 to 13 at the time. And their requests reflected personal interests. The youngest was an adopted child and her donation went to a an international adoption agency. The middle child loves animals and her wish was for an animal shelter and the oldest wanted to feed the hungry. The gift wasn’t the donation but the interaction the family had discussing what to do with the money and who might benefit the most. Another angle is to give a child a modest gift plus a donation to the charity of their choice. And, be sure the charity acknowledges the gift directly to the child. Now, it is automatic, my sister’s gang gives to a charity in my name and I do the same.

This year, my mother and I have decided we have no material needs. So, she is giving an animal ( water buffalo or 2 goats) to a family in Africa who will use the animal for food, breeding, etc. I am selecting a couple that is down and out and doing it for my mother. The good feeling that comes from carefully selecting a way to help others when many of us are fine is far better and longer lasting feeling.

My ultimate goal (personal) this Christmas is to not wrap a single gift but to use resources in a way that will make others better. And, no, I am not a candidate for sainthood. But, the needs are so great and the ability for each of us to do good work is only limited to our imagination.

If you read my article about taking the hassle out of Christmas, I’d be interested in any twists that you might have going into this Holiday Season. For those who just love shopping and wrapping gifts – have fun. Retailers are ready to help!

Happy Holiday Season – make it extra special.

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