This is an updated version of AC’s earlier video.
This isn’t a particularly new idea- and for many of us, it is something we have been working at for many years. For some of us who have had a significant drop in disposable income in recent months, there are fewer choices about our spending anyway.
But here’s the thing – we do have a choice about our attitude. If I could afford it, I’d buy Bob that special piece of electronic wizardry he would love [and get much use from] and ensure that he doesn’t have to sell his beloved bike in the next few weeks. But I can’t do either because I haven’t had any teaching work for months. But he knows that I love him, and isn’t expecting lavish gifts. There are gifts I would love to buy for my daughters – but they understand too.
Now I could go into an Emma-Grundy-like decline and weep all over the place about how life isn’t fair. Or I could say “OK, this is what I have – it is an awful lot more than many other people on the planet” and be grateful and happy. I will give small gifts this year – and they will be hand-made with love and care, and I will give to charity too.
Read the post which Frogs wrote a few days ago, and the comments which followed it. For me Christmas is about the things which are beyond price…
love, joy, peace, hope
[Not available from Amazon, Asda or Argos]
Absolutely nothing like spending Christmas with loved ones.
ReplyDeleteThanks for both links, Ang - an inspiring video and an encouraging challenge! I've decided to join the challenge too. I do worry about how to give good gifts to MEN though... home made (except for food) just doesn't seem to work for the men in my life. They want tools, mostly...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that you might have to lose your motorbike. I know from your posts that you both love it.
ReplyDeleteSo many schools are talking about redundancies that I am not surprised that you have had no work. Our school is replacing all the staff who went in the summer/are going this year with NQTs who cost less.
That's an interesting situation - I know of some schools who are choosing NOT to employ NQTs as they say it costs more in the long run, because they have to keep going off on training courses, and they need to get Supply Staff in!
DeleteAmen!
ReplyDeletei hope your work situation picks up soon
ReplyDeleteregards tess
Chris takes a week's vacation at Christmas,we enjoy each others company more than any gift we could buy one another.
ReplyDeleteJane x
Last year I bought J a bird watching book for Christmas. It cost 20p at the carboot. His gift to me was rearranging his rota so that he was at home for more than 1 day - absolutely priceless. My dear Dad used to tell me 'life is what you make it'. That message has stood me in good stead throughout my years with J, as during most of them we have had very little. I do hope that things pick up for you soon, but if they don't you still have each other - and that is priceless.
ReplyDeleteThe rampant commercialism spoils Christmas for me and I almost dread it, which is a real shame because I love it really. I'm lucky enough to be able to afford presents but I resent the continual bombardment from people trying to get me to spend my money.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you don't have to sell your motorcycle. I did the same thing once and it's so hard to get another one once it's gone.
The men will all get neckwarmers (they all go fishing so will come in handy for that purpose)and the women are all getting either wristwarmers,scarves or neckwarmers in their favourite colours and really nice wool.One of my sisters will receive the freeform crocheted bag which I just finished and which she commented how much she loved it and my other sister will receive the wrap I just finished which she also said she loved. Cutting right back this year and anyway, not really feeling like it with the state of my friend's health deteriorating daily now. I hope you win the lottery so you can give Bob that great gift and lavish your daughters with luxuries too but I think you give them the greatest gift already....yourself!Great post, Angela and it has certainly helped me get rid of the guilt complex I had nearly developed about Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI hope you find work soon too. ;-)
Hope work situation picks up. Agree with your thoughts on what Christmas is all about.
ReplyDeleteCharles will buy my diary and I get him a sodoku calendar - a whole year of love each.
ReplyDeleteWell said. So much Stuff gets passed round at Christmas in the name of goodwill, but goodwill often requires no material evidence.
ReplyDeleteBit late in finding this post I am afraid but I love the sentiment and thought you might like my ideas along the same lines here: http://marigoldjam.blogspot.co.uk/2010/10/scrooge-or-eco-warrior.html Christmas is not about the gift we buy but about giving in other ways. Hope you get work soon enough for your needs anyway!
ReplyDeleteThanks MJ - update on motorbike- it looks like it will NOT have to be sold! Hallelujah!
Delete