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Friday, December 13, 2013

All I Want for Christmas


Chris Brady

It’s Christmas, a wonderful time of year, and the airwaves are full of the seduction of gifting.
gift box

My family is unusual when it comes to gifts; my husband and I made a deal to give it up early in our relationship. Our first Christmas together when I was a size 8, he shopped for me at Lane Bryant and the tent (I mean the sweater) was about five sizes too big. I saw many returns in our future, so I gave him a lifetime pass on shopping.


My siblings and I came to this same conclusion some 20 years ago when we realized that our kids had too much stuff. We stopped the cross-family gifting and made our tradition a low-key post-Christmas hangout with hoagies and pizza at the best party house in our family.  I still shop for my son and his love and my Mom -- but that’s really it for me. (Are you jealous?)

I’m not a complete Scrooge about giving. I spent Black Friday writing checks to a dozen or so charities that make a difference in my life. My company matches my giving up to $2000 annually so I take advantage of that benefit to support causes that matter to me.  I’m glad I can support people who are doing good work in the world: my college (Temple U) and high school (Little Flower CHS), public radio, the local library, animal shelters, nature and environmental charities, and social causes that inspire me.


I feel blessed that I have all the gifts I need: a loving husband and family, good friends, and a place to call home.  


I hope your Christmas dreams come true.

Despite my anti-consumer philosophy, this West Jet Miracle video made me smile. 





What's your Christmas gift tradition?

8 comments:

  1. You are a special woman, Chris. I'm damn glad to know ya!

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    1. Aw shucks... You know I was thinking of you when I wrote about the gift of friends.

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  2. My Christmas dream is that one day I will spend the holidays on a tropical beach with an umbrella drink and a book. Until that day, I will continue to buy too many gifts, eat too much food, and stress right up until the last minute. But when Christmas Eve comes and our family is sitting around, opening gifts, laughing and remembering all of the Christmas Eves of the past, it all seems worth it.

    JulieV

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    1. Julie, I know you have always loved the gifting part, recalling your joy at getting someone the thing they really wanted.

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  3. Chris, you are special and like Cathy, I am so grateful you are my friend.
    Still, I have to admit, when it comes to Christmas, I'm more in Julie's league than in yours.

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    1. Carol, Me too, good buddy.

      No doubt when I have grandchildren, the joy of giving stuff will come back to me.

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  4. Now that Christmas is over, I can say, sure, presents are great. I do some shopping, but try to not let it take over my holiday experience.

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  5. Julie, You have a little boy, and gifts and Santa are so much the magic of childhood. And if you have a husband that is good at gifting, lucky you.

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