Stop. Take a Step Back Before Buying

Image by Pixabay at Pexels

It mystifies me. No one else in my family likes turkey. That, and the fact that my husband has worked with indigenous peoples and is sensitive to the story around Thanksgiving, landed us having Thai food on November 23rd this year. I think it was Indian last year. Every year, a different country. Notes decorated by a daughter and granddaughter were at each place as were Thai proverbs my husband and I found and made into little scrolls – without the parallel Western culture meaning; that had to be guessed. We enjoyed it

That’s just us. Not saying it’s perfect or everyone’s cup of tea. I still long for the anything-green-not-allowed Thanksgiving meals of my youth. It is, however, an example of how meaning and family warmth can be put at the center of a holiday event. There is the possibility of ignoring the dictates of the majority.

Black Friday purchases aren’t bargains if they can’t be paid for right away. Short range thinking is encouraged to make us ignore what happens if purchases accumulate 20% or more interest.

When we orient around what really matters, what will keep us stuck together through thick and thin, it isn’t anything we buy.

Spread the word. Even if you can afford it, resist the pressure to buy and give the “latest thing,” especially if the child in the family is very young. Relationships, presence and listening to each other telling family stories, gifts of time and attention, i.e., teaching a skill or going to a (free) event, rather than giving the latest toy: these are the things that will weave sweet memories for you and your loved ones. Enjoy!

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