It's the thought that counts!

I'm always amazed when Christmas rolls around how commercialized its gotten. And moreso every year (or is that my age showing?) But when did we shift from "It's the thought that counts" to "How much money did you spend?"

I can remember being a youngster, maybe 12 or 13, and going to the local strip mall where there was something called Rasco Drug, and a K-Mart across the street. I felt so grown up to be shopping for my family on my own. I'd head into the stores with my $20-$40 (depending on how good babysitting had been!) and shop for hours, selecting just the right gifts. I am not sure I could tell you the things I bought, nor would I be convinced that my family would remember those gifts from long ago. But it wasn't about the things, as it was the thought. Trying to find that certain something so they would know that I cared about them.

When did expectations outgrow our pocketbooks?

In a convo with someone recently, we talked about "the little things". And I realized that ... its not just at Christmas time that the little things mean so much. It's all the time. What better way to say "I care about you" than with the little things. Knowing me, and what I need; the touch of a hand; brushing my hair from my eyes, being interested in my day. a flower plucked from the garden; a love note where I least expect it; something unexpected. (thank you KD, for "getting it"!!!! )

And even at Christmas, it wouldn't be about the money. It wouldn't be about the present. It would be about the gift of giving yourself, letting others know that you know them, care what they're about, what moves them. That would be the ultimate gift. Maybe I'm getting too old for Christmas. Or maybe sometimes I feel like I can't compete. I can say that I'm sort of like the crazy aunt everyone seems to have in their families.

For the last few years, the packages I have sent my nephews have been ... lets call them interesting. Or funny. :) I will usually get some kinds of 'goodies' and wrap them up. A package of Top Ramen, a pack of gum, or fruit roll ups, travel soaps. Just oddities, mostly edible --- after all, they ARE teenage boys! haha And then, wrapping it uniquely. Sometimes one within another, so that by the time they've opened my gift, they've had to unwrap about 10 items. The ones I like best are the ones where its a treasure hunt. I'll write up clues, and they have to figure out where the next hiding place is, to find something little wrapped up, along with the next treasure hunt note. But... that's just me :)

In another family, we drew names. Then had a limit of $1 to spend.... we'd all (about 15 of us!) troop to the dollar store, with our dollar in our hands. Trying hard not to let the rest of the family see what we're buying. Then we would head home, and get our gifts wrapped. Sometimes that gift had to be embellished in order to make it just perfect. I hope the kids all remember that as fondly as I do :)

Don't let the commercialism convince you to spend more than you can afford. Take some time this year to make it about the thought, and not the money. I've heard of folks using the "Make it or Bake it" rule of thumb. And for busy folks, there is nothing nicer than something home made from your own kitchen!

HUGS and happy shopping to everyone!!