What are you getting for Christmas?

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What are you getting for Christmas?

) 1999 Michael S. Hyatt

Well, the holidays are almost upon us. Already the Christmas decorations are going up in many malls and retail outlets. The shopping marathon is about to begin. It seems as if it starts earlier every year.

Most people will purchase the same kinds of things for their loved ones that they have bought for years: designer clothing, various gadgets and toys, and the usual consumer consumables that will be here today, gone tomorrow. To quote an old adage: "They will buy things they don't need to impress people they don't know with money they don't have."

The reason most people continue to engage in this lemming-like behavior is because they are oblivious to the fact that a change is coming. A big change. Perhaps the biggest change to our world that you and I have ever witnessed. And we have precious little time to prepare.

If you are wise -- and prudent -- you won't be distracted by the millions of ads and thousands of consumer catalogs designed to get you to part with your money for stuff that only makes sense in the current context. A hurricane is coming, and if you understand this, it will affect everything you do, including the kinds of Christmas gifts you purchase.

In my family we adopted a new purchasing policy a while back. We decided that we would not buy anything unless it would make sense in the context of the world we may find ourselves in after Jan. 1, 2000. (If you want to know what I am preparing for, read "So How Bad Is It Really Going to Be?") This is especially true when it comes to Christmas gift-buying. I don't know about you, but our family can't afford to waste what few resources we have on stuff we won't need later.

This policy doesn't necessarily mean that you have to take the fun out of Christmas. You can still give gifts that are really cool; you just have to do a little research. You also have to order early, because many items will take longer to deliver. Here's a list of possibilities:

Long underwear

Coats, hats, gloves, or other winter clothing

Boots or work gloves

Candles

A nice kerosene lamp

A hand-operated wheat grinder

A solar flashlight or fluorescent lantern

A WorldBand Solar and Dynamo Powered Radio

A hunting rifle

A Coleman propane cook stove

A good first-aid kit

A wood-burning stove (perhaps used)

A fire-proof safe for storing important documents

Books on emergency preparedness. (See our recommended reading list.)

A high-quality water filter

Hand tools

A chemical or composting toilet

A bicycle

Games (things that can entertain children in the absence of electricity)

Some of these items may seem boring, but so much of it depends on the attitude you have toward them. Getting ready for Y2K can be like any other positive family project. You can do it together in a spirit of hope, cooperation, and adventure or you can project an attitude of gloom, doom, and drudgery. Your kids may not be as grateful now as they would be if they received the latest toy or gizmo, but I have to believe that they may very well be grateful later when their friends' stuff is useless and worthless. To quote a famous king: "The prudent man sees danger and takes refuge. The simple keep going and suffer for it" (Proverbs 22:3).

-- Uncle Bob (UNCLB0B@Y2KOK.ORG), October 29, 1999

Answers

I disagree with MH, if I had kids they would be getting fun toys and goofy crap they like. Maybe I wouldnt spend as much as normal but I wouldnt give kids lame Y2k things. If a kid is above a certain age I wold be more comfortable with telling them about the Y2k possibilities but for kids below 10 years I wouldnt get them involved with anything that made the rollover scary until it was deemed it was really necessary. If "daddy" is wrong and Y2k is a BITR the kids will remember this as a year that "daddy" went crazy and ruined it for everyopne. If Y2k is bad the kids should still have fun for as long as possible and only be involved in Y2k where it makes it fun to learn.

-- hamster (hamster@mycage.com), October 29, 1999.

Hamster, get things for the kids that will divert their attention if Y2K turns out to be a bummer. Coloring books, crayons, puzzles, books, water colors, nonbattery toys, and maybe one splurge toy. Many of these items are inexpensive and will pass the time for the kids. My children are in their 20's and they got Y2K survival stuff (warm clothing, eye exams, sleeping bags, car tuneups and oil changes). I think Mike's suggestions are good ones only if the goods are going to GIs because they will be more appreciated.

-- bardou (bardou@baloney.com), October 29, 1999.

Our kids are 12 and 8. They have been in the loop since the beginning. The 8 year old now wants and buys only toys that do not require batteries (his decision, not ours). They both got new, good sleeping bags last Christmas, love 'em and they do realize the deep down reason they got 'em. For the stuff they have that requires batteries, they made their decision, and are using their money to buy extra batteries, just in case. For the most part, kids are pretty sharp, their input into family matters count too.

-- BH (silentvoice@pobox.com), October 29, 1999.

My problem is that we did that LAST Christmas! And everything else on the list is a prep we've made this year! I am clueless as to what to give this Christmas. Maybe more books and board games. Heck, I've even stockpiled something like 20 decks of playing cards already. LOL.

-- Dog Gone (layinglow@rollover.now), October 29, 1999.

What are we getting for Christmas this year? Me: wind-up watch Kids: same Hubby: wool coat Best friend:wool blankets. DWGI relatives: the same crap as always. We debated about prep kits but they've been so arrogantly clueless we gave up.

-- ldeeds (ldeeds@kumc.edu), October 29, 1999.


Long stories of adventure and wonder, for all ages mushroom farms musical instruments, from harmonicas to dulcimers needlework kits mixed nuts and a good nutcracker Polartec fleece anything...blankets, clothes cases of pretty canning jelly jars (empty or full) art supplies blank journal books, diaries manual typewriter ( for the kids?) big red wagon case of Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips good topo maps of where you live bikes

-- seraphima (seraphima@aol.com), October 29, 1999.

For once...

...I hope I get a bag of coal.

Keep your...

-- eyes_open (best@wishes.not), October 29, 1999.


Good one EYES_OPEN-------maybe even a bag of switches to light it with

-- Curly~Q (Curly@Q.COM), October 29, 1999.

If you remember last year, all of us doomers on this forum felt that things would be so bad by now that we were saying that Christmas of 1998 would probably be our last real Christmas. Well we have a reprieve, we can now look forward to one more Christmas, and can buy even more tin foil hats, and wind up flashlights.

-- thinkIcan (thinkIcan@make.it), October 29, 1999.

Fun question. I just put my wish list up on frig last week.I have been really really good and I want one of those 14 day compost deals.

-- tress (tress@aol.com), October 29, 1999.


Even without y2k, money is just not there to do much of anything with. But the family is comprised of all adults, so that makes things a bit easier. I am making some head/neck coverings out of polar fleece. You can make about 6 of these out of 3 yards. Not a seamstress, so these may be used 'just for farm chores.' Hoped to pick up a warm water bottle so we each would have one. I know that the gifts we'll be receiving from our mom are a vellux blanket each-- I helped put them away for later. I know that was a big sacrifice for her. Some of the things I've been buying for y2k may double as family Christmas presents-- you know, the "To everyone from everyone" kind of thing. I don't know.

I have a different situation as it relates to 'work place gifts.' And I realize this is going to sound petty from more than one standpoint. When I first started my job it was around this time of year several years ago and I asked one of my co-workers about Christmas and the workplace and what was usual or customary. Well, she said there was an anual 'holiday' party but that no one exchanged gifts. However, come the week before Christmas, several co-workers and a few supervisors brought gifts. Each year since, I have tried to come up with some type of gift for co-workers and supervisors.

This year, my heart is just not in it. If it wouldn't be so terribly tacky and presumptuous I have considered going to each and requesting no gift. I realize that gifts are supposed to be just that-- without any hidden obligation to reciprocate. But it doesn't feel that way.

It's not even a y2k thing, because even before "GI" money was (and still is) terribly tight. And time is at a high premium, too.

Any sincere suggestions about handling workplace gift giving are appreciated.

-- ann alias (not@this.time), October 29, 1999.


Ann, Well I cant give you any suggestions about your work Christmas exchange.... but I will tell you how we handle the Birthday thing.

I just HATE all of the little crap in the bottom on the kids toy boxes. We solved the problem. Most of the junk came from birthday parties and junk gifts. So a few years ago we decieded not to have a standard birthday party. We would call a few of the kids friends and invite them over for a 'get together'. Then we would have a cake and sing Happy Birthday...etc. I emphasized to the kids that it was most important to have friends and how much it means to be able to enjoy thier company, being free to have fun, and not having to think all the time about the gifts. They never looked back.

They have the best parties! Now other families are doing it too. We do have a card box and after the party they have time to sit down and enjoy the well wishes.

If I were you... I think I would start talking to coworkers.... mention that you are scaling back the gifts this year and trying to give more kindness and faithfulness instead of superfical gifts. Peer pressure works two ways.

-- bulldog (sniffin@around.com), October 29, 1999.


I'm giving food packages that are delightful and easy to eat without preparation. Why not have a Christmas present that is delightful and useful" At Bartell's yesterday they had a small holiday lamp with lamp oil included. Great gift for the DGI or GI.

For myself, I have to combine practicality with enjoyment. None of us know how much time we have to enjoy. I'm aware of this on a daily basis due to my MS. Enjoying each day while also preparing has not been easy. To have not enjoyed the colors of fall while they were there would have been life in the present that was missed. I can't afford to do that. Thus I try to prepare and ALSO enjoy each day for the delights it holds which for me may mean only a small part of the day.

Live fully while you have life to live. Presents that are practical can also be enjoyable. A book of card games with a deck of cards for instance. Play dough for endless creativity for children in a difficult circumstance. Keeping children occupied and happy is very practical to survive Y2K. And each parent knows their children better than any person wanting to judge on this forum.

Blessings and peace are my goal, Y2K or any other time. May each of you have plenty of both every day of your life.

-- Leslie (***@***.net), October 29, 1999.


Thanks for the post Bob!

Ann, this note is for you, and I hope you will consider what I have to say.

About 12 years ago, my husband - who is now a recovering alcoholic - was still drinking; talk about money being tight and not in ANY mood for the holidays! Well, I told my co-workers that since I was on a budget, could we please place a dollar limit on gifts at Christmas? They agreed, so a limit of $5 was set. I decided that just since I needed to be thrifty, it didn't mean I was cheap. SO. . . I baked everyone in the office two loaves of homemade bread, put in a jar of my homemade jelly, and a small jar of honey. The cost of the gift was about $3 max. Guess what? ALOT of my coworkers thought the bread/jelly/honey gift was really creative. I had 10 coworkers so that was 20 loaves of bread. It took TIME to do it, and they didn't miss that fact either.

I repeat: just because you need to watch your spending does not mean you can't give a gift that shows you put some thought into it. I have a suggestion: Check out Amy Dacyczyn's books "The Tightwad Gazette" They used to be in separate volumes 1,2, and 3; they are now published all in one volume. Your public library may have them. Check it out (pun intended). If you like them well enough (I certainly do) purchase the 3 in 1 book that is out now. It's a good resource for y2k. Her topic of Christmas gifts that are frugal is in volume 2. Some of her suggestions include suggestions from her readers when the Gazette was published. Other suggestions I have is to make a charitable donation to the Red Cross in each coworkers name; small penlights; decorative handtowels for the kitchen. Remember, it doesn't need to be expensive to be thoughtful. My email is real, so if you want you can certainly send me a note. I'm off work this whole weekend (a rare occurence, indeed!) so I can get back to you right away. Take care, I'll be thinking of you, and God bless. You are in my prayers tonight.

-- luann (flataufm@hutchtel.net), October 29, 1999.


I'm getting the complete MAD Magazine collection on 7 CDs. As long as I have juice I might as well have some yuks from time to time to ease the stress...

-TECH32-

-- TECH32 (TECH32@NOMAIL.COM), October 29, 1999.



We don't celebrate Christmas. No, I'm not a religous nut, nor Jewish. We learned a long time ago that the merchandizing of the people was something to avoid. We buy our kids gifts whenever we feel like it, which is reasonably often. We never lied to our kids about a fat man coming down a chimney, nor about the birthday of Christ. We don't have to deal with any of the stress that the holiday season brings because we are under no obligation to participate. Finally, this isn't meant as brag by any means, I hope that some of you realize that Christmas is a huge scam and has nothing to do (anymore) with the traditional intent of family, giving and thanks. Consider not doing the expected and take one more step towards freedom.

-- Me (lifeofliberty@yahoo.com), October 29, 1999.

The grandkids are getting small toys and warm clothing (turtlenecks, pajamas, gloves). Families are getting heat sources (e.g., propane heaters), if they need them. Food is always a high priority on our gift lists...this year, it will emphasize quantity a bit more than the usual quality. And for that new home (with fireplace), a cord of firewood always goes nice!

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), October 29, 1999.

Me: We, too, feel that Christmas has been totally sold out. We have come to a compromise, however. We do celebrate it, but we have some limits. We do NOT step foot in a mall, EVER. I buy every gift either on line or through a catalogue, or I make it (most often). We have NO decorations that have ANYTHING to do with commercialism. In other words, no Disney anything (ex: Winnie the Pooh dressed up as Santa and lit up in the front yard, give me a BREAK!), no popular characters on anything, etc. We don't put lights on our house. I think they are pretty, but we are too cheap to pay the slightly higher electric bill. We take walks and look at other houses. Our Christmas decorations for inside the house are very simple and just a tad above sparse. We do have a ceramic village with lights inside each little "house"/"building" that I inherited from my grandmother. (I truly believe that because we don't have a lot of Christmas decorations, we enjoy and appreciate the ones we do have more.)

Since our daughter's birthday is December 3, we allow NO Christmas decorations or preparations or Christmas anything in our house or lives until after that date, usually it is quite a bit after anyway. We never wanted her to have to compete with Christmas.

We buy a very small tree close to Christmas, usually around the 21 or 22. (Cheapter then, too!) We do always get an ornament that marks the year we got it. This year I bought some inexpensive wooden ones thta I painted in Christmas colors and put 1999 on.

We do things to keep the religious significance intact: we have an Advent wreath and light the candles on it every night. We have an Advent calendar. We attend church services, esp the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. There is nothing like a darkened church with everyone only holding one tiny candle, and everyone very softly singing "Silent Night" with no musical accompaniment. Beautiful. Breath-taking.

We go over to my parent's house on Christmas Day and spend the day with everyone together there. We drink spiced cider, egg nog and have the traditional Christmas dinner (we have ham since everyone doesn't want to see Turkey again for anything!!!)

I have another side of the family that gets ridiculous with it. There was soooo much pressure to buy, buy BUY and every year I scaled down the gifts we gave. Also they have to visit EVERYONE;s house and there just simply is no way. By the time Dec. 26 rolled around, we were exhausted from going to 7 different houses/parties in 7 days. SHEESH. So this marks the first year that we are not doing that. We aren't even buying gifts except for my parents, my in-laws, our siblings, and our daughter. That's it. And small gifts, at that. (We used to buy gifts for everyone down to 3rd cousins, no wonder we were broke every January. And that is NOT what Christmas is ABOUT.) I have even toyed with the idea of giving $$ to a charity and sending a card to the person/family letting them know I gave a donation to ____charity in their name.

I have a theory about parents and buying gifts for their kids. Last year I actually broke my own rule and went into Toys R Us on Dec 23 (was I INSANE>????????) It was a MAD HOUSE! I get seriously claustrophobic and started breaking out into a sweat. Had to remind myself to breath normally. I saw parents with carts FULL of toys for one or two kids. Two adults it took to haul all the stuff up to the counters. Ridiculous! I say don't get 'em used to that and it's no big thing. Every year, we have put a dollar limit on what we can buy our daughter. For her birthday (Dec. 3) we each get her a gift, then one together. For Christmas, same thing. We *do* do the Santa thing, but we do not emphasize it heavily at all. Kind of an after thought thing. She leaves out cookies and milk and likes to write a letter to him. But ever since she was 2 I have taught her the real meaning of the celebration. "Santa" gifts by the way, are like 3 really small inexpensive gifts, I put little edible treats in the stocking. The hubby and I only allow one gift from one of us to the other and a tiny thing for the stocking. our anniversary is Dec. 28 and we have never gotten each other anything but a card, a hug a kiss, and a talk about the past and the future. (One year a babysitter and a dinner out!! Woooo-hoooo!!!)

Oh, also, to head off the usual "gimmes" kids get at that time of year and to help instill good habits in my daughter, every year, right after her birthday, she has to pick out three toys she no longer wants/plays with and three items of clothing that she has outgrown and take them with me to either the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or our church. We also take her with us to take canned goods to our local food pantry and homeless shelter. This is not negotiable, it is done every year.

As far as gifts go this year, they will be MUCH more practical than in years past. We are also observing the rule of not buying anything that wouldn't make sense in the context of a bad post-Y2K world. I can't tell you the last time I bought a videotape movie or a CD. I wanted to buy kits to make the three of us those Christmas stockings that have sequins and such that make a Christmas scene or needlepoint stockings, but I talked myself out of it. Non-essential. We have little red ones that serve the purpose.



-- preparing (preparing@home.com), October 30, 1999.


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