For the Person Who Has Everything...

How about not getting them anything?? I mean, they have EVERYTHING.
The materialism of our society bums me out on a regular basis, but 'tis the season when it really makes me want to swim in a vat of antidepressants dissolved in vodka. Xbox 360? Shut the hell up. I hate it when I read articles or see news reports about parents freaking out because Item X is sold out and OH MY GOD THE KIDS WILL JUST DIE IF THEY DON'T HAVE THE DORA TALKING KITCHEN. Get a grip, people. And while you're at it, tell your kids to get a grip, too.

This year, as in the past couple of years, we are not giving gifts to the adults in our lives (and we are asking that no one give us gifts, either). All of our holiday spending will be going to people who can't afford a holiday dinner, for example. We also asked relatives to not give Azalea and Desi gifts, either, but we realize that's a tough one for people. We suggested that if they wanted to give a gift, they should record themselves reading a story (or telling a story in the oral tradition) so that Azalea and Desi can have a lasting memory of Grandma or Yiayia or Aunt Elaine or whomever (and also give Mama and Daddy a break when we don't feel like reading bedtime stories. Just pop in the tape/CD... hehe). I'm not sure how well that will go over, but we figured it was worth a shot. I mean, do Azalea and Desi really need anything else by Fisher Price?? I don't think so.

Craig and I were talking the other day about how great it would be if people took all the money they spend on (usually) needless gifts for others who already have pretty much all they need, or took all those gifts, and sent them instead to a poor family in Zambia, for example. We were thinking that would be a good nonprofit/charity organization we could start up -- matching Americans with families all over the world in a type of "secret santa" thing (except it wouldn't really be an exchange...). We do this for "needy" families in our community every year, but there are so many people in the world who are way more needy than the neediest of the needy in Pasadena, Maryland. Something to ponder.