Would you ever consider..

instead of having family give you gifts, having them make a donation in your name to a charity instead? Being completely selfless for the holiday season?

Message edited 11/21/2005 5:22:21 PM.

Re: Would you ever consider..

I'm being honest - probably not! I'm greedy - I said it!

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I would, but it probably would not be as fun.

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well, what got me thinking was....

I am one of those people who cannot really take Christmas....please get the holiday songs off of the radio until at least 12/20 or so...I just feel like people forget the true meaning of the season and get wrapped up in the music, the decorations, and the gift giving of it...

So I just thought - what if people went back to basics and decided to do something selfless for the season. I think that the Holiday season has just become wayyyyyy out of control.

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Re: Would you ever consider..

Well, yeah.....the holiday season is supposed to be about celebrating your religion or your beliefs....not really about who spent the most and what you want and all that..it IS nice to give and receive but I just think it's gone way overboard. I feel that I am very fortunate and that maybe instead of asking for so much I should contribute to those who need a little more...

I guess I am just examining my own priorities in life.

Message edited 11/21/2005 5:33:35 PM.

Re: Would you ever consider..

From my experience, a LOT of people go way overboard with Christmas presents.

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Wow, I think that is an incredibly beautiful idea..
I would most certainly love to do that, of course I would still give to my children though, kids still deserve some gifts..
I should ask family there thoughts on this one..

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Surprisingly, and sadly, enough, my in-laws - who want for nothing I might add - give out Christmas lists at thanksgiving!!! I was appalled the first time they did this!!! And all they ever ask for is gifts cards - which is really crass!!
I don't remember what we got them last year, but I think I refused to get them anything off their lists!!

I would love to tell them we made a donation instead of giving them something!!!

Re: Would you ever consider..

As far as I'm concerned, I AM a charity these days! But seriously, no, I wouldn't consider that.

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If I didn't need anything, then yes.

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In all honesty, I would consider it.

I could just ignore Christmas altogether. And just like you, please take off the music til right before Christmas! I think some people take the gift giving thing a little too far. However, I do think Christmas is nice for kids with the visit from Santa and everything. I am an adult, and if I need or want something, I can get it for my birthday or buy it myself.

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I could do it on the receiving end -- I wouldn't mind a gift like that at all. I don't think I could give up buying for others though. I love the giving part of the season -- searching for the perfect gift, shopping, wrapping etc.
I do understand and respect religious aspects, but I think I "celebrate" my beliefs much more during lent and easter. Advent is all about joy, and to me, Joy is giving.

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I would consider it if I got at least one gift...lol

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Posted by MrsTC

instead of having family give you gifts, having them make a donation in your name to a charity instead? Being completely selfless for the holiday season?

Re: Would you ever consider..

Well, I donate year-round, but I think gifts could definitely be less. One year (years ago) I spent $$$$ buying DH a palm pilot he didn't use once. Another year I knit everyone scarves. To me homemade gifts would be just as welcomed--luckily we have enough money that I pretty much can buy anything I want (I don't have crazy extravagent taste so it's usually just something new from Marshalls!).

Message edited 11/21/2005 8:43:58 PM.

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My family has never gone overboard for Christmas and DH's family keeps it under control.

I would like that. We donated to charity in lieu of a wedding favor at my wedding.

In light of Katrina, the tsunami, war veterans etc. I think there is so much need.

Re: Would you ever consider..

Posted by Wendy

Posted by MrsTC

instead of having family give you gifts, having them make a donation in your name to a charity instead? Being completely selfless for the holiday season?

I've asked in years past instead of getting us presents to make a donation to the Little Shelter or North Shore Animal League and I always get "Well, I still want to get you presents" ...

LOL! Not the point!

Re: Would you ever consider..

i would ABSOLUTELY consider it and did it last year. i much prefer giving gifts then receiving.

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I make a dontaion to the Newsday Family fund (forget the name) in name of both of our families.

We get gifts for the nieces and nephews (20 total) but not the parents - we get gifts from the parents that we usually don't like anyway. I would prefer a charity donation be made in my name. Or half the $ for a gift card to a nice restaurant and the other half to charity.

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Yes. I think the gift giving gets out of control, and this is why I generally don't participate in Secret Santa type things. I would rather use that $ to give toys to tots than get something I don't really need or want. (not trying to put down other's choice to do it, it just isn't for me...)

I actually enjoy buying birthday gifts more. The excess at this time of year gets to me sometimes.

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My husband did this last year. Not me though.