And mostly, I’d like a period of time for just us. We don’t have that very much.

And recognizing your blessings is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

And yes, I’m with you about hoping store employees could spend time with their family. We’re not exactly talking about fire houses or hospitals here.

Great idea, Becky.

I thought Edie’s Frankie’s Fund was a wonderful way to honor her pup and deal with her loss. And I know I feel better for when I give to someone else than when I just buy stuff.

Sounds like you discovered the secret doesn’t lie in buying stuff already.

And it’s negative feelings about ourselves that marketers are trying to tap into.

Luckily, we have lots of recent research that tells us that if we can resist the marketing messages for a moment, we’ll be happier giving something to someone else. Or at least engaging in wonderful experiences instead of buying stuff.

BTW, when I remember a 20 year old advertising jingle, I worry about all the really valuable information my brain doesn’t have room for. 🙂

That’s a great idea. I enjoy gift-giving season too much to forego it completely. But we try to keep our giving to a few meaningful gifts along with gifts to others that need it more than we do.

I enjoy being out and about during the holiday shopping season. I love the decorations and the ice carvings that stand in front of our local stores.

But I’m with your mom t about thinking about good gifts all season long. It’s easier to pay attention to what’s important to the people you love that way because you’re not rushing around.

It’s great that you donate food to your local shelter. Our is always looking for help too.

You’re welcome. I think the best gifts are unique and artistic. Your photography is a great example.

And local business owners can respond to the needs of their local community as well.

My mom complained at a WalMart that the temperature in the store was too hot. She was told that decisions about the store temperature came from Arkansas. How crazy is that?