Christmas credits

I quit. The hundred dollar holiday simply can't be done-at least not by me if I remain part of any aspect of mainstream life this time of year. I couldn't even pull off the $800 holiday. We tried to cut back and just when I think we're doing ok, I remember I haven't bought for the teachers or even my husband! It isn't even the gifts, it is also the white shirts and black pants my kids needed for their holiday concerts, the cookies that I said I'd bring to church, the pointesetia fundraiser, the nights out with friends who are in town just this week. I am not sure which of those things I could have, or would have wanted to, cut out.

So this is my new thought. Maybe we can go overboard at Christmas-buy things just for fun, eat too much, drink too much, light too many lights, travel great distances and on and on. The wimsicle gift that gets a laugh is more memorable than the "needed" gift on someones list. Is it ok to be wasteful once in awhile if it is more personal and meaningful?

What if we could only do this though if we offset our consumption with giving. I try to have my kids pack up a "give away" box of toys they've outgrown each year (before the landslide of new ones comes in). Maybe I could do the same-whatever I spend, I have to donate to a charity. If I have a $100 holiday, I donate $100. If I choose to spend $1000-well I have to donate that much as well. It certainly would be more in the spirit of the holiday and might even make me think twice about each purchase. Maybe I could even start small-donate a percentage and then see if I can raise the ratio of donating/purchasing each year.