stuff

There is an awful lot of stuff in the world. I have had to relieve myself of lots of stuff lately, my mom and dad's household possessions, mostly. But I still have a lot. I do not need any more. And through the years I have given and received a lot of stuff, most of it with specific memories attached. Thus the difficulty of getting rid of anything. I remember when my kids were little and they would get all this stuff from their relatives for their birthdays and Christmas. We would be overwhelmed. The books and clothes and toys were just a jumble. I let them keep the ones they liked but we gave the rest away. So, the last decade or so, I have decided that we concentrate on the good parts of the holidays, the eating, drinking, playing, and laughing. The togetherness, not the stuff. Good memories are the best present, time spent together is the best holiday treat. Going out to dinner is good for the economy and provides memories and jobs all at once. And if my kids need something, I would rather just get it for them when they need it instead of having to wait until Christmas or birthday, especially since Ciel's are within a week of each other. I will still buy the odd presents, but will concentrate on things that are needed and can be donated such as clothes and books. I will also continue to donate money in lieu of gifts for Doug's family members who we see just once or twice a year, instead of another ornament or plate of cookies (they are almost all on diets anyway).
And it is simply astounding that our economy depends on people buying stuff. That just seems so wrong, so self centered. And the huge corporations that make the stuff for us to buy keep reaping huge profits, and wanting more tax deductions, and holding us hostage if we do not comply. It is not even Thanksgiving and the command to BUY, BUY, BUY is invading every part of our day. I am going to try to donate a dollar this year for every dollar I spend on stuff.