A brand new Christmas Idea!

[IEunuch]

I've been thinking about it, and would like to propose a brand-new Christmas tradition.

Instead of fighting your way through the massive crowds at malls, spending thousands of dollars for gifts to people you can barely tolerate, and trying to convince people you really like the god-awful gifts they got you...

Go out and buy yourself one really nice present. Something you've always wanted. Only spend around 40% of your normal budget for presents, though. Take 10% more, and buy eco-friendly gifts for others. Tracts of rainforest, 'carbon credits', etc. Let everyone know you don't want to receive anything from them. Either save the remaining 50% of your budget, or use it to pay off the bills.

Some may consider it selfish, but the result would be more money put into the environment, less waste in terms of packaging, wrapping paper, etc, everyone gets something they wanted without needing to stand in line for returns and exchanges, and lets face it, how much more 'stuff' do most really need anyways?

That's not even counting the vastly reduced levels of consumer debt, holiday stress, Christmas psychosis, and everything else that goes with the season. Maybe then we can get back to what the season should be about, namely actually spending time with friends and loved ones. Without all that shopping, you'd have that time.

[crankshaft]

good idea at that,

we have been doing a similar thing,

wife and I go buy one or 2 things we have been looking at all yr, (stuff you dont find in the box stores)

only buy stuff for the kids/grandkids, and a few other relation folks

and use the rest on paying off bills,

[tugon]

I've been thinking about it, and would like to propose a brand-new Christmas tradition.

Instead of fighting your way through the massive crowds at malls, spending thousands of dollars for gifts to people you can barely tolerate, and trying to convince people you really like the god-awful gifts they got you...

Go out and buy yourself one really nice present. Something you've always wanted. Only spend around 40% of your normal budget for presents, though. Take 10% more, and buy eco-friendly gifts for others. Tracts of rainforest, 'carbon credits', etc. Let everyone know you don't want to receive anything from them. Either save the remaining 50% of your budget, or use it to pay off the bills.

Some may consider it selfish, but the result would be more money put into the environment, less waste in terms of packaging, wrapping paper, etc, everyone gets something they wanted without needing to stand in line for returns and exchanges, and lets face it, how much more 'stuff' do most really need anyways?

That's not even counting the vastly reduced levels of consumer debt, holiday stress, Christmas psychosis, and everything else that goes with the season. Maybe then we can get back to what the season should be about, namely actually spending time with friends and loved ones. Without all that shopping, you'd have that time.

This year I have been shopping at Make It Right Nola for friends. At the site you are able to contribute by buying fixtures for a home to be rebuilt for a displaced family and donated in your friends name. This was inspired by a gift that was donated in my name last year. What a great way to let someone know you are thinking of them. Hope my friends like their low flow shower heads.

[Blaise]

Heh, heh, did that for years. I now usually pick on person to give presents.

[A-1]

Well,

One might convert to the Jehovah's Witness religion every December until January...





OUCH!

[kristoff]

Well,

One might convert to the Jehovah's Witness religion every December until January...





OUCH!

Aren't them the one's what comes to your door and offer to say the rosary with you? I always offer to, if they don't first.

[A-1]

Aren't them the one's what comes to your door and offer to say the rosary with you? I always offer to, if they don't first.

No,

They are the ones that you have to keep a Book of Mormon by your door to read to them when they call.

Either that or that Anton LeVey book whatever in the hell it is...