Call me Scrooge but I'm determined to do with less for Christmas. My view on material items and my shopping patterns started to change a few years ago after Katrina. My family has always been blessed and there was nothing that we wanted that we didn't get. However, when I saw Jane and JJ loose so much in the flood yet take on such a great attitude and realization that it was just stuff and much of it (except family memorabilia) could be replaced or was unnecessary ...well I started looking at my stuff around my house a little differently. My new approach has made me take on attitudes of "if it ain't broken don't replace it" and "don't buy it just b/c its on sale". Unfortunately, I have a big weakness ...buying stuff for the kids. Its hard to say "no" when you know how cute Caroline will look in an outfit or when Jack is on the verge of a meltdown in the check-out line of Walmart. So I'm going to work on that in the New Year. I'm also going to try to influence others to stay out of the stores and shopping malls...and instead spend more time with family and contribute the money you saved to those that have less.
I just think that the people who wait outside of stores at 5am due to the influence of advertisements are crazy. I have found myself buying most of my Christmas gifts via online the past few years... I've realized that this way I'm able to really shop for the best deals and I don't end-up buying something spontaneously just because its located in the center aisle of a store under a "30% off" sign. Did you know that there is an actual coalition against Black Friday, Buy Nothing Day?
I also ran across this that I just had to post....
2 comments:
Love this! I agree -- have bought almost nothing for myself (besides maternity clothes) in the last year, but I'll come across stuff that Lucy will maybe be able to wear once and think I need it. Craziness! Thanks for the reminder to cherish family first & to focus on what Christmas is really all about. :)
Great post, Jenn Dill!!
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