What to give for Christmas?

GF said don't get her anything, yeah right. Well at UU Church today a bunch of wishes from children in need were put up on the table. I grab one from a 12 year old girl that was wishing for a pair of tennis shoes. Stopped at Kohl's and got her a gift certificate to cover it. GF said doing that was the best thing in the world I could do for her this Christmas. Of course I had to tell her to do the same for me. We both have everything we need.
This year especially it is the best thing in the world I can do to make both a child and myself happy. If any of you couples are having a hard time trying to figure out what to get each other, try it.

Happy Holidays.

given to others in 'my name' as you're doing, a nightgown with proceeds going to the World Wildlife Fund, things like that.

What you're doing is truly in the spirit of the season - giving unselfishly. Wishing you and your GF a wonderful Christmas! :hi:

and canned goods for a family that had none was the best christmas any of my crews ever had

and canned goods for a family that had none was the best christmas any of my crews ever had

Your Time. Set aside an afternoon or evening or whatever works for you to go to lunch, have breakfast, take a long walk or whatever works, just for the two of you.

Of course something to open Christmas morning tends to be a good idea as well.....:think:

(cheap) fruit wines like blackberry, so that'll do.
She lives out of state, so I'll make an extra trip up to see her.
I'm in my 60s and never had any children, so giving something to a little girl makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

but, I would still have something under the tree (or whatever you use). Each year I always wrap up a some semi-gag gifts (but, things she will use) a few boxes of facial tissue, some of my wife's favorite candy bars and a few things like that. We use our Autumn vacation as our gift to each other as it is our time together and she does some shopping for herself then as well at the outlet malls. We too are of the age (late 50')s that we really don't need anything, but the time together, sightseeing, taking vacation photos, eating out and such is our Christmas.

The Best gift of all is always the time.....

And as a Step Dad to an adult daughter the fun of giving to a little girl for the holidays, even if you never get to meet her, it is a warm fuzzy. I think you have inspired me to do a little something extra this year as well.

:toast:

teas," I have decided that, instead of a meaningless "hostess gift," I would make donations to the SPCA for people interested in Pets, to the local school for the people who are retired teachers, and to the local Cancer Research Center for the people whose focus is in that direction.

No more boxes of chocolate, Christms mugs, or poinsettias!

you are paying attention to the areas your friends are most focused on. What a thoughtful and generous person you are!

This year I am focusing on making sure no one I care about has to be lonely for the holidays.

Rite-Aid is having a sale on canned hams this week - two for $4. We're buying as many as we can for the local food bank. We are asking everyone who comes to our yearly Solstice ritual and dinner to bring food donations. My older daughter got so excited about this that she will buy more hams and ask those who come to her Christmas party next weekend to bring food donations for the food bank. It's amazing how a little idea can snowball so quickly.

I'm sure we're all horrified at the situation that far too many many Americans are finding themselves in. No job, no more unemployment benefits, often no roof over their heads, and no holiday celebration for their kids.

Even though I've been out of work for over 2 years and am not eligible for unemployment bennies, my husband luckily still has a job. Things are tight, but I couldn't celebrate in even a small way without doing something for those most in need.

Ask your employers if they can have a food drive at the company party. Or talk about setting up a donation box at the office. I think we'd all like to do more to help, and this is one way we can contribute.

I'm not Christian. But my advice to Christians is to remember the holiday has nothing to do with giving presents. You've been brainwashed to do so.