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.
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