My sister and nieces have asked what we would like for Christmas. We have everything we want (except I still want a pair of mules, the long-eared braying kind, but that ain't happenin'). We told them we'd appreciate them sending the cost of our gift to our local food pantry, and gave them the address. Bless them, they loved the idea! They reciprocated by naming two charities they support, and asking us to give to those rather than sending a gift. This is so much easier than fighting crowds, or trying to figure out what someone wants, and getting a gift packaged up and mailed. I think we have a new Christmas tradition! So if someone asks you what you want, and you have plenty and don't need or want anything special, why not designate a charity? However, if anyone has a spare pair of mules and wants to send them to me, I'd be very appreciative, but the United Parcel Service wouldn't be.
For the last several years before my Mom passed, she kept telling us to find some charity to give money too instead of buying her something she didn't need. I found the Socks for Soldiers program at Fox Socks...... https://www.foxsox.com/Catalog/category.aspx?code=SLDIR
I don't need anything and that is a good idea. Our food pantry could always use help and maybe the girls would like to give a gift to Toys for Tots! What a lovely idea!
I've been donating money for buying toys and treats for children in Rachel House Hospice and Robin Hood Hospice. This is something I do every year and I know the staff in both places really appreciate the help they get. I also give to the Hillside animal sanctuary who take in all kind of animals and give them a home for life. I think Christmas should be a time for giving and am glad to say that I know many others who do similar things at this time of year. Even Ian is helping out too by playing Santa for the Meningitis Foundation.
Well done marlingardener! I ask people to donate to our local animal shelter, Médecins Sans Frontières, the Red Cross or our local Salvation Army. In that order. Mostly I get presents anyway and make donations myself. That's my Christmas gift to me.
