Home > 2008 > 12 > 28 > Bah Humbug!
Bah Humbug!
I’m SO glad that Christmas is over! I dislike the “holidays” with a passion and frankly find it a bit upsetting to be required to buy gifts for pretty much anyone other than my wife. She deserves the stuff I buy and I enjoy finding just the right thing. I think this is possible because I know what she likes and generally what she wants.
But buying stuff for others just because it’s Christmas is something I’ve never enjoyed and frankly try to avoid except for one area… those that REALLY need stuff and don’t just want stuff.
Vicki and I are fortunate and thus we try to help where it’s going to do some good. We aren’t good at running charity events but we can donate things that when properly presented raise funds for worthy causes for example.
And…
This year we found a nice family from the The Arc of Colorado who helps screen and organize giving to families and individuals who have developmental disabilities. Often these are complete family units with one or more kids who have disabilities. Many are classified as “working homeless” in that they live from motel to motel based on day labor. And in case you are wondering, they are mostly American citizens. If this statement make you angry at me… well then find another Blog to read… it’s the way I feel.
But I digress… If you ever want to learn how to be very thankful for what you have… just read the Chistmas list from folks like these from the ARC!
The ARC screens contact and gives you information about a family like the ages, sizes and anything specific they might want. You get a family “number”. You begin to read the list and see very few requests for toys. If there is a wish, it is for something like a soccer ball not a Wii. You continue to read where parents ask for work boots and warm shirts and socks. Dress clothes don’t seem to make the cut. It doesn’t take much to see the age of the child and their clothing sizes to realize that they probably don’t eat three big meals a day.
It’s easy to donate money and yes that does help greatly… but taking time… several evenings in fact, to really shop for them seems to help the Christmas Spirit more than you can imagine. You begin to use their first names (all you know) as if you know them. You create an image of what they are like based on what they would like to have. You tend to look at several items to find just the right one when “warm coat” is what they want. If the toy needs batteries you just know you have to make sure to include them or the toy will be nothing but a disappointment.
You tend to get things not on the list like board games, candy and belts when they ask for pants. Quite frankly you WILL imagine yourself on the receiving end of a list and begin to look at your life in ways you generally don’t for most of the year.
So I’m glad it’s over. I’m glad I don’t have this gnawing need in my face for more than a few days. I’m not sure I could handle it every day like the many fine charity groups. And speaking of charity groups, be selective. Really look at an organization before you donate time, goods and money.
Gotta run… fortunately I have a good job to get up and go to in the morning.
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