What's that? Why, the holiday season, of course! And begin it did with a very timely white surprise this morning. My wee little silver tree is up in the window and decorated with a lovely mish-mash of ornaments and the order for cards and cute stamps has been placed.
I know this year many people are trying to cut back a bit and try to focus on the truly important things. Sadly, not everyone is the type of person to place others before themselves. The horrific tragedy at that suburban NY wally world is a testament to people's disregard for others and brash, out-of-control consumerism. They fight with total strangers over cheap Chinese electronics and toys. They argue in checkout lines and parking lots. They are probably the type of people who would cultishly dress themselves and their children in Snuggies, too.
Luckily there are a LOT of people who do care about others and can turn the focus towards those in need especially in times like the one we live in today. I've heard of SO many more people "adopting" a family for the holidays, and cutting back on their own familial gift-giving. They begin to see that it's more important to see your loved ones over the holidays than it is to shower them with "stuff". They think harder about the social and environmental impact their gift choices make. An awesome example is the effort by a super-cool shoe maker called Toms. I think my gift to myself this year (and some cool kid in Ethiopia) will be a pair of 'em. And maybe you'll get some, too - IF you've been good that is!
(thanks to Nicole for the info on Toms!)
