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CTC Readers' Poll:
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"Personally, I find saying no
pretty easy. I often will say no to the events that involve a
small gift for a silly gift exchange. I've reached a point
in life where I really don't enjoy spending money on something no
one needs just to have something fun to do at a party.
Explanations don't have to be made when saying no. Yes, I've
experienced people trying to make me feel guilty for saying no,
but it's a matter of rising to their bait or ignoring it. I choose
to ignore it. December is too busy to waste it by being guilted
into doing more than you want to do." ~ Anonymous
"For the past several years my husband and I have had a 'date date' in October to lay out the dates when we will do our absolute family essentials. We sit down with our calendars, our church choir schedules, and any other dates we have for firm commitments. After we have laid those and family advent celebrations out in the calendars, we schedule a date for the family outing to cut down a tree, for another night shortly thereafter to decorate the tree together, and lay out dates for each of the four kids to go Christmas shopping one on one with Papa. It may sound crazy to do so early, but these are the things that we don't want crowded by all the other opportunities that abound this time of year. With them already in place on the calendar, we can evaluate any other opportunities that come along knowing which dates are already booked and which weeks are already packed. We can look at the holiday season in big blocks and make sure we leave some margin so we can enjoy the things that are most important to us without being overwhelmed or exhausted." ~ Danielle "I don't schedule any of the typical appointments during the month of December. I tell everyone we will pick up again in January. Therapy appointments for kids get a month off. No lessons unless they are related to a holiday performance of some kind. No scheduling dental or check up medical appointments in December. You get the idea. I don't set up anything for December that can wait until January. This helps save time to add in all the holiday events and save enough time to just enjoy my home during this great season. It works for us!" ~ Sue
"We print a special calendar
for the month of December and post it on the fridge. Whenever an
activity comes up, we look to see what's on the calendar. We
schedule activities that benefit someone else first. If some fun
activity comes up like a parade or a party, we look to see if there
is already an activity. If the calendar is empty and we aren't too
tired or needing to work on the next day's activity, then we may
decide to go. We are a large family and we try to only schedule
activities that all or most of us can do. I figure my children get
presents on Christmas so parties with gift exchanges aren't
necessary." ~ Kathy
"Just say 'No.' The holidays have gotten really out of hand and people have forgotten that for Christians this is a celebration of the birth of Christ. Yes, it is a time to share, as we should all year long. When a woman I work with recently suggested doing a 'secret Santa' gift exchange, I said, 'Count me out.' I told her that I would rather the $10 or $20 spent on a gift was used as a contribution to Toys for Tots, or any other charitable organization that helps people, especially children, at this time of year. Maybe it is because I am older (60), but I don't need or want any little gifts: dust catchers, candles, bath stuff, etc. But there are so many people who need basic things and would be so happy to receive soap, toothpaste, all the basics, that I would feel much better if the money was spent helping those who really need (not just want) something. I think it would be wonderful if 'Santa' would deliver the really necessary things to the people who need them, and really fulfill the 'gifts to Christ.' I really think that Jesus is looking down at us and wondering why we are giving gifts to those who have no real need and ignoring those who are in great need. Is this really a celebration for his sacrifice?" ~ Kate in Florida Editor's Note: Thanks to all these readers who took time to write! |
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