Monday, November 8, 2010

WINTER HOLIDAY SHARING

Many people around the world are going to have a tough holiday season. Most cultures celebrate something around the time of the winter solstice when the nights stop getting longer.

What can we do to make the holidays better for people? Of course, giving to charities that feed people is a good idea. Giving new toys and books to people who give them to poor kids is a good idea.

But maybe your own holiday is going to be too tough to allow for charitable giving. What can you do?

You can go though your decorations, books, and toys. Give the ones that no one wants and that are NOT BROKEN to a thrift shop. People LIKE to buy things they can afford. Then it does not feel like accepting charity, but instead feels like getting a good deal.

Some of my favorite Christmas decorations came from thrift shops. I have Salvation Army and Goodwill close to me. I also like St. Vincent de Paul.

For years, I collected Star Wars toys for my children at thrift shops. Before eBay, the toys were sold at garage store prices. I find you can get great deals especially at thrift stores in the more wealthy neighborhoods.

If you are giving away stuffed toys, or buying used stuffed toys, you can clean them by soaking a washcloth in alcohol and rubbing the fur until it is clean. Be careful with the eyes and nose, the color can run or come off. A new ribbon will perk up the toy.

I do not understand the need to have all NEW things.




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