by Just Lynne
37660002 Editor's Note: Yeah, Gramma, something needs to be done about Christmas being such an expensive and overly-busy time. It sure doesn't give us much of a chance to think about the reason for the season.
Editor's Note: Heehee, Diana, you are so right!
Not necessarily so. Mrs X (Johnny's wife) keeps going on and on about how men nowadays do everything from cooking to childrearing (and I'm sure wrapping presents in her world)....yet she ALSO wants her husband to pay the bills and take care of her...so she wants things to be current as far as job duties around the house but circa 1930 as far as bill-paying responsibilities go.... Not exactly sure what she brings to the table but that's for another column...but figured I'd tell you that the feminists will have a problem with your column as far as being "Old-fashioned." You've come a long way, baby..... Editor's Note: I don't care if the feminists have a problem with it or not, I'm just stating what I've seen. I agree that men do more around the house than they did in my day, no argument there, but Christmas is mostly left up to the women. And I can't say I blame the men, because Christmas is way too much work and way too expensive and it's hard to find a way out of it in our society. I feel worry for Mr. X though, gosh, his wife wants his last pound of flesh! Thanks, Zjabs.
Editor's Note: I'm glad you laughed, Marilyn! That was my goal.
Editor's Note: I would love for our family to do that! One question - how do they find this needy family?
Editor's Note: Thanks, MK, maybe we should start early to try to find a needy family, it seems like all the needy are on welfare and don't need our help.
# 1. 1/1/12 8:53 PM by Gramma
WOW! Did you ever hit the nail on the head! My family has decided, for the most part, to "undo" this kind of Christmas. They limit the gifts, choosing to concentrate on the Nativity--which is, after all, the real "reason for the season." I know one family that has a birthday party for Jesus, giving gifts to neighbors and to charity. Food for thought.
# 2. 1/2/12 1:06 AM by Diana
To pup it in Rodney Dangerfield terms (sort of) We women just don't get no respect! :-)
# 3. 1/2/12 7:25 AM by Zjabs
"Anyway, in my opinion, the people who should get the most and the bestest are the LADIES of the family. These are the people who make Christmas what it is. They are the ones who shop until they drop, then have to wrap all that stuff in Christmas paper and ribbons just so things look pretty under the tree."
# 4. 1/2/12 9:30 AM by Marilyn
You made me laugh Lynne,,,,, thanks.
# 5. 1/3/12 11:45 AM by mk
I have some of the best friends in the world. One of them- the jr. matriarch of her family, (her mother is still living) decided that this was foolishness, and they had a family meeting. All the money they would spend on this foolishness buying things for each other and their kids that they did not need- Now they go together as a family and provide Christmas to a truly needy family. They even have elf outfits for the younger kids to wear to deliver Christmas. My husband and I had the privilege of participating and helping this year. As the day approached to shower another family with gifts that were much needed: coats, shoes, sheets, household basics- the excitement and joy of Christmas returned. Usually it was done in anonymity. This year it became a party for this family that has suffered tremendously. I loved it- and thank the Good Lord for sending some of the best people into my life. It was a treasured experience. Christmas- became Christmas again. All the women bond- and shop together- and the children experience the excitement of helping others. It was just what we needed this year. It will be one of my happiest Christmas memories.
# 6. 1/3/12 4:09 PM by mk
This year, it was a mutual friend that experienced loss through divorce and her ex-s dishonesty. I'm not sure how the Christmas Elves found families in the past, but it seems some one always knows of some one that is either ill, out of work, downtrodden or in need. Part of the fun is finding some one to help. One of my friends does it through her business. She was shocked when the kids asked for pencils, papers, back packs, light bulbs and bedding.