All I want for Christmas

December 23rd, 2008 by james

My father just called me to let me know he was delivering our Christmas present. Sure, everyone’s doing that this week…but he lives in North Carolina.

A little background info

With government funds being poured into businesses by the billions, I’ve decided to refrain from making any purchases this Christmas. Okay, that’s not really the motivation, and it was a decision that Kim and I made together, but we’re serious about not spending money—and we’ve asked others not to purchase anything for us. Instead, we’re asking our friends and family to donate to a nonprofit.

Our family budget is tighter this year than last, but no matter how impacted we feel from the economic downturn, we are reminded that we’re never void of the necessities. Not everyone in our community can say that.

While we originally intended to pool the donations into one gift for the local food bank, reaction to the concept has been mixed: while some have dismissed the idea, others would prefer to direct funds to a different organization (or to multiple organizations).

The first gift

Back to my dad’s delivery: he was taking a check to the Salvation Army in Greensboro. While we’ve received money from family members (which is typical from our grandparents, and will be donated to the food bank in their names), his is the first direct contribution we’re aware of.

Honestly, I can’t think of a better present: it’s green (no wrapping paper needed), and it will be used help someone. Thanks, dad!

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About James (R.) Collier

My thoughts are somewhat random, as I still don't know what I want to be, when I grow up (if you've got any ideas, I'm open for suggestions). For now, I'm resolved that somewhere inside of me there's an artist, suppressed by a fear of someone else's perception, unwilling to accept the thought of being unaccepted.