The TV is full of horrible Kay Jeweler commercials and every year Black Friday becomes more deadly and infringes just a little more on Thanksgiving. The continual commercialization of Christmas gets me a little bit Scrooge-ier every year. So, with that in mind, here are a few things that I think make the holidays just a tiny bit better.
- Donating to great causes. Have a favorite charity? An amazing Kickstarter that needs funded? Instead of spending your money on useless crap that people are likely to throw away or regift, why don't you think about putting it to good use. Here are my two favorites this year:
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Lurie Children's Hospital
- Spending time with people you love. This can be your family or the friends who feel like family. I am personally looking forward to heading back to see my mom and sister next week but I am equally glad to know that the support system in my real home will be waiting for me when I get back.
- Helping a friend in need. Last week, I helped a sick friend clean and decorate in preparation for a holiday party. Remember when someone needs you enough to ask for your help, it's important to respond with the same love and commitment that you would hope for in return. I also have an amazing friend who will be feeding my cat all week while I'm gone for Christmas. Provide some support, whether it be a shoulder to cry on or some extra muscles to help move, and you'll feel good about the season.
- Helping those in need. Buy that guy outside Dunkin Donuts a cup of coffee, put an extra dollar in that cup you walk by every day, stand up for someone who's being bullied or discriminated against. It's a long, cold winter in the midwest and everyone can use an extra bit of warmth.
- Giving thoughtful gifts. Don't buy your girlfriend some tacky piece of jewelry because that's what the ads tell you to do. Don't buy your grandpa the same coffee mug he forgot you gave him last year. Seriously sit down and think about what would actually make an impression. Shop local, support a favorite artist, take them on the first vacation they've been on in years, sign yourselves up for a cooking class, just try to think outside of the box.
And if you're looking for a really great place to send your money, my friend Joy is doing a wonderful thing for her little brother. He has been working hard and unionizing at his job at the Oregon Zoo but, until they get a new contract, ends are a little hard to meet. So show some Zoolidarity and think about throwing a few bucks that way. This embodies everything I think that Christmas is supposed to be and warms me right down to my Grinch-y toes. So spread the love folks, maybe one day someone will do the same for you.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Things I Love: Holiday Season Edition
I really have a lot to be grateful for this year so, as we move quickly through this holiday season, I wanted to put out something a little more than my usual Things I Love Thursday post.
My friends - There were several times this past year when I really wanted to lay face first in bed and never get back up again. It's been a struggle getting back on my feet and I could not have possibly done it without the wonderful people who have been in my corner through ups and downs who let me cry and get mad and built me back up again one shattered piece at a time. Special shout-outs to Terri, Amelia, Sarah, Rachel, Elise, Carolyn, and Emily without whom I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have made it through without. Seriously, I love you all more than I could ever express in words.
My family - We've been through hell and back this year and have had more than our fair share of struggles but we keep going and there's never a time when we wouldn't drop everything for each other. They've been there for me even when I didn't deserve it. Much love to mom, Elaine, Heather, Alysia, and Katie, you guys keep me going.
My medical team - I've never really understood before why people got so attached to their doctors before this year. My therapist has been a god send and she reminds me all of the time that it's okay to be hurt and it's okay to keep going. When I knew something was really wrong, my doctors never once thought I was freaking out over nothing and, while I'm not looking forward to having surgery, at least I know it's something fixable. They're all caring and compassionate individuals that make me feel way better about getting better and not staying home to wait it out.
My job - It drives me crazy and makes me want to pull out my hair some days but it pays the bills and allows me to go back to school and, really, isn't that what's important?
My animals - My constant companions, I love having something soft and cuddly to come home to that loves me unconditionally.
Trying new things - Over the past year, I've discovered an aptitude for archery, a love of judo, a greater mastery of the culinary arts, and that I can actually enjoy school and succeed at it. There was a time not too very long ago that I sat in my apartment shaking with fear about leaving for a dance class, terrified that everyone would judge me and laugh at me behind my back. Now, it's sometimes hard to find some me time but I wouldn't have it any other way.
The holidays - Yes, this year I am actually thrilled about the holiday season. I was able to get gifts for the people that mattered most without stretching the budget to the limit, I might even decorate a little this year, there are plans for the Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights, I've already been to Friendsgiving and Chanukah parties and there are more to come, and I have no desire to sit in my apartment feeling sorry for myself. I have every intention to enjoy my holidays and make 2014 a much better year for me.
My city - Last but certainly not least, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Chicago. I can't imagine life anywhere else. I know a great deal of my love is for the people I've met here but the city itself breathes new life into me every day. I can't wait to see what I'll discover about it in the coming year.
Enjoy your holidays and try to remember what it is and, most importantly, who it is that you love.
Oh and if you happen to be looking for some new reading material over the long winter nights, my friend just published a new book on Amazon's Kindle site for all you sci-fi geeks out there. Also, for a limited time, his short story is also available for free. Support a local writer!
My friends - There were several times this past year when I really wanted to lay face first in bed and never get back up again. It's been a struggle getting back on my feet and I could not have possibly done it without the wonderful people who have been in my corner through ups and downs who let me cry and get mad and built me back up again one shattered piece at a time. Special shout-outs to Terri, Amelia, Sarah, Rachel, Elise, Carolyn, and Emily without whom I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have made it through without. Seriously, I love you all more than I could ever express in words.
My family - We've been through hell and back this year and have had more than our fair share of struggles but we keep going and there's never a time when we wouldn't drop everything for each other. They've been there for me even when I didn't deserve it. Much love to mom, Elaine, Heather, Alysia, and Katie, you guys keep me going.
My medical team - I've never really understood before why people got so attached to their doctors before this year. My therapist has been a god send and she reminds me all of the time that it's okay to be hurt and it's okay to keep going. When I knew something was really wrong, my doctors never once thought I was freaking out over nothing and, while I'm not looking forward to having surgery, at least I know it's something fixable. They're all caring and compassionate individuals that make me feel way better about getting better and not staying home to wait it out.
My job - It drives me crazy and makes me want to pull out my hair some days but it pays the bills and allows me to go back to school and, really, isn't that what's important?
My animals - My constant companions, I love having something soft and cuddly to come home to that loves me unconditionally.
Trying new things - Over the past year, I've discovered an aptitude for archery, a love of judo, a greater mastery of the culinary arts, and that I can actually enjoy school and succeed at it. There was a time not too very long ago that I sat in my apartment shaking with fear about leaving for a dance class, terrified that everyone would judge me and laugh at me behind my back. Now, it's sometimes hard to find some me time but I wouldn't have it any other way.
The holidays - Yes, this year I am actually thrilled about the holiday season. I was able to get gifts for the people that mattered most without stretching the budget to the limit, I might even decorate a little this year, there are plans for the Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights, I've already been to Friendsgiving and Chanukah parties and there are more to come, and I have no desire to sit in my apartment feeling sorry for myself. I have every intention to enjoy my holidays and make 2014 a much better year for me.
My city - Last but certainly not least, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Chicago. I can't imagine life anywhere else. I know a great deal of my love is for the people I've met here but the city itself breathes new life into me every day. I can't wait to see what I'll discover about it in the coming year.
Enjoy your holidays and try to remember what it is and, most importantly, who it is that you love.
Oh and if you happen to be looking for some new reading material over the long winter nights, my friend just published a new book on Amazon's Kindle site for all you sci-fi geeks out there. Also, for a limited time, his short story is also available for free. Support a local writer!
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