The Meaning of Christmas...

So since the holidays have passed, I've been thinking about what I could have done differently, had i been stateside.  One of my favorite things to do (as those of you who know me know), I love to volunteer at shelters, animal shelters, soup kitchens, anywhere I feel like i can bring a smile to someone's face and help them.

So I came up with an idea.  Since we are headed back stateside in July, we will be there for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.  I know this is a time for family, friends and gifts.  But the real meaning if often lost, and I'm not talking about religiously.  Because there are so many religious denominations all over, that celebrating and emphasizing just ONE out of all of them, just doesn't see right to me.  But, one thing almost ALL of them have in common is LOVE.

The holiday seasons brings a sense of love and togetherness and that often gets lost in the commercialism the media and companies have put on the season.  So why not fight back to bring love and togetherness back to the center of the season?

My idea is simple.  Not to completely boycott Christmas, but to significantly scale it down.  Santa can still bring his 2 gifts (though not expensive).  But family gifts, we can put the money we would have spent on gifts towards something to help others.  I am thinking about helping those in need.  Not only could we volunteer on the holidays in the soup kitchens or shelters, but why not give them gifts?  

Why not make backpacks for the homeless?  What would you make them with?  Well the thrift stores have backpacks for $1-$3, you can fill with non perishables you buy on sale, some hygiene items and a thrift store blanket.  You could do all this for under $20 per back pack.  We usually spend about $500-$600 on gifts for both girls, so that would mean about 25-30 backpacks.

Or maybe just buying new clothing/toys on sale, wrapping them and then taking them to a shelter?  When stores are transitioning between seasons, you can pick up some clothing and items and rock bottom prices!  You can even find new with tag type items at thrift stores and consignment shops!

Some of you may think I'm crazy for even entertaining the idea of no presents for kids on Christmas, but Christmas isn't about gifts- at least not material gifts really- it's about love for one another.  And by helping out those in need, you are showing them they still matter, they are still part of our society, they are still loved.  Many homeless people feel society has forgotten about them, and in many cases it is true.  But why not just do something that will make an impact?  Even if it is one time?

Like I said, this is an idea I am toying with.  I have wanted to scale down Christmas and focus more emphasis on giving back for a while now, but never knew how or what do put our energy towards...  But I think gifts for others is a good way to start.

I saw this weekend a "pay it forward" event where people would do something nice in hopes the next person would do a nice act for another.  This is a great idea and if everyone did this, every day- one nice thing- think of how much of a positive impact that would make in our communities!  Little things go a long way!

Think about it.

Katie :)