Christmas Time Again

It's that time again. This year will be different. We say that every year but this change had to come. We are not buying family gifts for everyone. Much to mom's and my dismay. We have decided that we no longer can spend money we don't have on things no one needs or wants. Erin lives in the city and has a good job to buy what appeals to her. John and Chris too, have good jobs and live in areas where they can shop. Mike has never been one to buy presents for anyone and probably is uncomfortable with a one sided exchange every year. Mom and I are the ones with the problem. It won't be so hard for me as I don't care for all the cheaply made junk coming from China, Indonesia , ShriLanka & Mexico etc. It is sad most of our manufacturing jobs have been sent overseas and us with such a huge unemployment problem here in the states.

Mom sent some money off to Salvation Army and I bought some toys for the Toys for Tots bucket. I am sure there will be paper angels on the tree at the bank for giving to needy families and the animal shelter will have a list of needs to fill. Erin and Chris's birthdays are coming up so I will get to celebrate those with them. My brother John hates getting our gift and insists he needs or wants nothing yet he is good to us all year long and it would be nice to find some special thing to show him our love and appreciation. He will be happy not to have to pretend to like yet another shirt or book or trinket to add to his overburdened shelves. The Santa in me is getting a reprieve this year but I think it will still be fun. Happy Holidays to everyone. Give yourself a gift of less stress.