A better way to share the holidays
With the holiday season fast approaching, I would like to share some traditions our family has embraced to make it an enjoyable experience for all. As I watched my family running through stores scrambling to find gifts for everyone and consequently showing up Christmas Day exhausted, I suggested that the adults put their name in a bowl and each person would draw the name of individual for whom they would buy a gift. It is acceptable to ask the person drawn to indicate what they would like as a gift.
When asked, my answer is always the same. Since I have four grandsons and one princess, I tell the parent that they must take my grandkids to a grocery store and let them select the food for the cart. Payment is made by handing the cash, no credit cards, to the child, hopefully with some of their allowance included, who then hands it to the cashier. The entire family will then take the goods to a food pantry for distribution to families in need.
As a parent and primary teacher, you have just taught your child the concept of helping others, working together as a family and how money can be used to help people. You have also just helped the American economy, since to the best of my knowledge, food production has yet to be outsourced and the money stays here.
Like this idea? Share it with a friend, take this idea to work and post it and have an enjoyable holiday this year.
Dan Malecki
Crystal Lake