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Heartwings Love Notes 805 - Shopping for Christmas

Heartwings says, "Gifts for Christmas need not be bought at Christmas."

"Where do you do your Christmas shopping," asked my physical therapist as she and I worked on helping my hip get better. I shook my head and smiled. "We don't," I told her, "At least not in the usual sense. We collect Christmas gifts all year long from wherever we find them—yard sales, thrift shops, white elephant tables, or any other alternative shopping experience you can think of. It's more fun that way."

In one sense what that means is that Stephen and I think about Christmas and people we like to give to, all year long. It is such fun to think about and to give presents. Many of our dear friends live at a distance from us, so we end up spending as much money on postage as we do on the gifts. What we save by not shopping in stores will most likely get spent on the mailing of them. However, we've avoided much stress and discomfort.

Occasionally I buy a gift for Stephen from a catalogue--usually because he saw it and pointed it out to me. I seldom purchase from them for anyone else. I peruse one or two of my favorites but most go into the trash. While they are filed with lovely enticing pictures and descriptions, for the most part I prefer the physical experience of seeing and touching my purchases. It's too easy to order and then be disappointed when the item is not what you thought it was.

I find Christmas shopping at retail stores to be daunting. There is too much to see and think about. They are filed with hopeful shoppers trying to cross people off their Christmas lists. The glittery items do not attract me. I prefer to give useful, practical gifts. That's what I like to receive. Furthermore, most children have lots of toys and games as well as stuffed animals. Our friends and relations often receive books we have found at the Friends of the Library. By supporting alternative spending there and elsewhere, we recycle and reuse. This is really a gift to Mother Earth as well, and surely she deserves one too.

May you find joy in giving and ways to give that make you joyful.
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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