We are four adults. Two are working poor, one is developmentally disabled and the fourth inherited wealth.
Thursday we went to dinner at a local cafeteria that offers meals on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was during the Turkey Day feast when the decision was made about Black Friday, greed, Walmart and local small businesses.
Together, we usually spend about $1,200 for Christmas, but not this year.
We made a decision about this years holidays. There would be no gift exchange this year. Instead, we will shop at local mom and pop stores for our basic needs. Money that would have gone for Christmas would be divided as follows:
1. Thanksgiving dinner. We would tip the person who waits on us $100 so they would have a little nicer Christmas and as a thank you for working on a holiday. We will do the same during our Christmas dinner next month.
2. $250 would be donated to the Humane Society, from where our cats had come that brought much joy to our lives. Both Kiva and Moon Dancer were rescued.
3. $250 would be donated to Toys for Tots.
4. $250 would be donated to Coats for Kids for new coats.
5. $250 would be donated to our local food bank.
We will decorate, as usual, but will watch Christmas movies and then tour the luminaria displays.
Yes, we will each get a little something in our stockings. But items such as deodorant, razors for the guys, hand cream for the girls, etc.
It's gonna be one hell of a great Christmas!!!!!