Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 21st day of November, 2013.

It is fast approaching the crazy time of year when people feel the urge to buy everything in sight.

Most people spend way beyond their means.

I learned that lesson all too well.

For the past few years I have made the holidays about those people that I love, and not about buying the perfect gift that I thought they would want.

I made special gifts, took advantage of free items, refurbished items, gave my time.

Essentially, I gave from my heart not my pocketbook.  The first Christmas that I did this I spent $5.00 and that was on doggie treats.

With all the commercials, flyers and such it is almost impossible for people not to feel that they need to shop.

We should pay attention.

Take a look around the trash on December 26th.

How many things are tossed away because people did not like them or want them.

Selfish, perhaps.

But we have gone way too far.

Simplify.

Take the time to find out what a loved one might really want …. that might be a home cooked meal or someone to watch a child or a pet while they go out for an evening.

AGAIN FIND OUT WHAT PEOPLE REALLY LIKE AND NEED – NOT JUST SOME HIGH TECH GADGETS TO BE LIKE THE JONES.

Give your time to a local hospital or senior’s home or animal shelter.

Perhaps it might be a small basket of items that your sister might love – like her favourite shampoo, soap, socks or lipstick.

Make a hand-made book of coupons for different things using your time.

Simplify.

Our landfills are an indication of how commercial we have become.

Anyway …. my point is this.

Just give from the heart not from your pocketbook.

Have a great day and don’t stress about the holidays.

Give your time …. it is invaluable.

I think this Christmas we should all make something for loved ones or give the gift of your time.

Spend less …. less stress.

Give yourself a challenge to see just how little you can spend on Christmas but giving at the same time.

You will be pleasantly surprised.

Special Hello to: ALL THOSE FOLKS WHO GIVE WITH THEIR HEARTS …

Always, Carol and  Alvin