I am probably just being hormonal but...

**JAS_Photo** · 12-17-2009, 04:28 AM

I am so busy this time of year anyway but I am also totally uninspired to shop for Christmas. Instead I bought a bunch of gift cards for my family. My mom and dad and both brothers and sisters live in Edmonton for some inexplicable reason, the only one with a good excuse being my brother who is in the military and posted there.

Due to circumstances too long to explain I will not be going up there this year.

Anyway, that was a ramble. So I bought the gift cards and dumped them all out on the dining table. I am thinking to my self, what a waste. I just spent a whole big amount of money on people that have everything they need, do not need new stuff and basically all have more money then me to start with. I should just give these all to charity and forget about sending them. Well the gift cards sat on the table for a while before I finally put them in envelopes to mail. Still, it's nice to get presents. I work for the richest people in Calgary and they love to get free stuff, little presents, even though they can afford to buy the same thing for themselves and better quality so I guess it's the thought that counts. The present- gift card- is a symbol of that thought I suppose.

I still will give money to charity. The staff at the Club buy a goat or some such for people in Africa (World Vision) and the club pitches in to match our donation.

**casil403** · 12-17-2009, 06:35 AM

I totally understand how you feel Raiven. I felt like that when I worked there too. This year money is really tight with being a full time student and not working right now. I based most of my stuff on photography this year...I ordered personalized stamps of a few of my shots from Canada Post...that way at least they can use them. I made personalized stationary with the person's name on them and I got some shopping bags that I can place some photos into the sleeves on the outside. I also managed to do all this earlier in the year when I had money and income. My sister and I agreed to forgo gifts this year to each other and instead just take a moment to get a really nicely worded card for each other.
As far as charity, I have been doing something called Homeless Partners: Welcome for the last couple of years. They have many sites in North america and you look up the gift list, pick a person (or two) read their story, get them a gift and drop it off...most just want work stuff or bus tickets to get to their job. Homeless Partners: Give a gift ~ Select story I also usually include a card to go with the gift. Anyhow, it makes me feel good to know that at least someone in the city less fortunate than I is getting a gift where otherwise they might not.

Perhaps a thought for next year...talk to the family and forgo gift giving by instead suggesting they do this instead...just a thought.

**Bambi** · 12-17-2009, 09:47 AM

For me it is when the gift becomes an obligation, then it loses it's appeal. I love to give presents but because I care for the people that I am giving them to.

Gift cards are lovely presents as they also provide the activity as well as the present.

However, it's when we get into the 'value' of a present that I lose heart. I don't care what I get as long as it's because someone cares for me and not because they feel they 'have to'. It's incredibly hard to buy for my mom as she at a point in her life where she's decrapifying. So I can't give her more crap

This year I bought her a digital frame and a memory stick. Last year I gave her photos I took in england (she used to live there). The year before that I bought tickets to Chicago (musical not place).

I also used to allow myself to get all stressed over Christmas being perfect. Now I don't worry about it. This year I never got around to cards. Oh well. I will see my friends, cook a big turkey and spend time with the husband and two grown (well almost) kids. Christmas (or any holiday) shouldn't be work, or else what's the point.

This year we donated to a dog rescue for Christmas. We'll also give to the food bank.

anyone who wants to come by for dinner is more then welcome. the wine/beer will be chilling and there will be lots of food.

**Greg_Nuspel** · 12-17-2009, 10:13 AM

We have four people without families coming for Christmas day, we try to do this every year and it makes us feel so good. This year we will be missing our middle boy since he is Cambodia right now, I'm sure he'll call.

Gifts are always hard, we are into the no junk please mode. The world is full of too much crap that gets thrown away. Music and books are always loved, but time is the biggest gift no matter how that comes.