Anyone Minimizing the Holiday Spending?

Casey C. I can't even begin to understand what you think giving has to do with "self recognition." Do you know that self recognition means? You used a term that is completely irrelevant in this context to imply Gr8kids (and others) who give, are looking for praise. Self recognition has nothing to do with outsiders.

Moving on. Yes, I give to others at Christmas. Why? Because, I grew up with nothing. There were Christmas' that we spent indoors with no food or electricity. People gave to us from their hearts, and it blessed me incredibly. I give, because I've been there. I know what being destitute is like. I feel like I've been given much, and it's my duty as a human to give to others. I don't need for people to thank me, or praise me. I simply feel a moral, and life obligation. I think the world be a much greater place, if everyone would step outside their small lives and families, and give.

We are! We decided to make (really yummy) caramel corn for teachers, friends, and the bus driver this year. It's a family project & more meaningful! We've given to Operation Christmas Child, and we agreed as a family last year to give a $100 food basket to a needy family this year. So, we saved up all year & have selected the family. What fun!!

We do what we can all year. If there is something going on we are generally happy to participate (and with a son in scouts there is always something going on) Food drives and pop tabs for ronald mcdonald house, we send shoeboxes of goodies to developing countries, several service projects at the local parks. The local MOPS group does a baby shower ever year for the local pregnancy center, so they ahve supplies to help those in need. Big and small from little things like giving away what we don't use or need anymore to someone who does, or having taught my kids that we hold the door open for people, I don't think that giving back, is Christmas specific.

Why not give the gift of time as mentioned at the first letter? You could also work at the drop in center and help serve meals. Find a shut in to visit and take some food or gift basket with a grocery gift card.

Nope...never have. We have families members that need help...charity begins at home....self reconition is not something I seek from outsiders.