Chris Brady
It’s Christmas, a wonderful time of year, and the airwaves are full of the seduction of gifting.
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.
It’s Christmas, a wonderful time of year, and the airwaves are full of the seduction of gifting.
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?
