Monday, December 01, 2008

Holiday Deals and Donations


I was saddened to hear of some of the events surrounding one of America's largest shopping days, Black Friday. A store employee getting trampled on Long Island, a shooting in a toy store in California. This year Black Friday really was black, and not because retailers are moving out of the red.

I'm a lover of deals, but the older I get the more inclined I am to stay home and out of the stores on Black Friday. This year I ventured out but shunned the throngs of shoppers for a visit to the gorgeous new Burchfield Penney Art Center in Buffalo, NY. It is amazing. As for the deals...there is always today, Cyber Monday. I haven't found anything good yet, but it's fun to window shop. Even if that window is one of the internet browser variety.

In an effort to focus less on getting and teach my little girls about giving more during the holidays, I'm trying to think up ways to share what I already do have. I think I'm going to gather my book club for a no-stress evening of chatting and fun sometime this month and suggest that we all bring one of our favorite books to donate to a women's shelter or another worthy cause. Do any of you have a way that you love to give during the holidays? Do tell. You just might inspire someone else!

5 comments:

Melissa said...

In the past, my husband and I would pick a charity and make a donation in each other's names. Then we'd present it to each other as a gift on Christmas morning. This year I wanted to go bigger though. I convinced my family to chip in to support a non-profit instead of exchanging gifts. And for the first time, I'm doing a neighborhood food drive! I really hope the food drive goes well. I just whipped up some door hangers and put them out this morning. About 150 of them! I'm going to go around on Saturday to pick up items, and I'm really hopeful that a bunch of my neighbors will participate. If it's a success, I'll have to make it an annual thing! And it isn't costing me a penny! :)

I wish I lived nearby because that book club idea sounds wonderful!

{evy} said...

I love the book club idea. I'm going to suggest that one to my group too. Imagine if all the book groups did this!

Fiona Cartolina said...

We give a lot to the food bank at this time of the year - I can't stand the thought of children going hungry in our modern world.

Unknown said...

Your words are wise and true. I can't get that poor man out of my head. He showed up for work and was trampled by people trying to get a good deal on holiday presents for a holiday we celebrate in honor of one who gave his life for us. We all need to get back to basics and the true meaning of the holidays, which ever we celebrate.

I think we have come up with a great idea for this and we are giving it away free. It is a 17 page electronic guide for hosting a Holiday Giving Party. Come check it out on our site - love to know what everyone thinks.

My best for peace, love , health and happiness this Holiday Season.
Dawn

http://www.partybluprints.com/Articles.asp?ID=154

vicki said...

For the past few years, we've "adopted" one of the families at my school.

This year, another counselor and I are going to take one of our students on a girlie shopping trip. The best and only excuse to be at the mall this time of year :)