A Great Idea

One of the greatest things I've had come out of my experience of simplifying the holidays is how on-board my family and friends have been. One of the best suggestions to come thus far has been from my mother's side: an uncle suggested that instead of the adults receiving presents this year, money that would have been used for gifts could be collected and given in honor of my grandfather, who passed away earlier this year, to an organization that purchases and donates medications to people with cancer who would not normally be able to afford the medications.

The suggestion warmed my heart, and came even before me and my family opened up the discussion of what matters most to us during the holiday season. The idea was greeted with resounding approval on my mother's side of the family and has providing my own sort of basis of what I'd like my holiday season to revolve around: time with family and friends, honoring loved ones who have passed, et al. Since I'm still considered part of the 'kid' section of my family, we're going to be receiving fewer presents, too, which is more in line with our values. My mom keeps trying to brace me for 'fewer presents under the tree' than in year's past, but I remind her that what's important to me during the holidays is time with her and everyone else, not how many boxes are marked for me under the tree.

Once the concept of moving away from the overmaterialistic part of the holidays is planted into craniums, one never know what ideas may sprout!