I finished with my Christmas cards today!! They are all written and decorated , just waiting for the cute Christmas stamps and to be mailed. I know, can you believe it? It's the end of October! What's even harder to believe is that our shops are not wearing the Christmas decorations yet. The previous years it all started to soon and by the time Christmas came, the real festive feeling was not really there.
I also made a gift list... some gifts will be home made, some need to be bought. I also already know what I would like to give each person (family, friends, pen friends) on my list... but today I read a sad story about dogs in desperate need of help. There are shelters in the ex Yugoslav countries that have no food, no blankets, no medicine to give to the dogs they care for. The volunteers are desperate. This winter is going to be cold. As much as I like getting and wrapping presents up and giving them to the people I cherish I am seriously considering not doing them this year and give all the money from my gifts budged to a shelter near Zagreb (the shelters in Slovenia are in far better conditions). I tried to do this before: I donated the money to a good animal cause BUT I still bought the presents - this year I would rather spend all the money for the animals but how to convince myself my friends (because I am still getting presents for my parents, hubby and aunt - we are a very small family) will understand? Or I could still get them a little something... but to get all a little something may amount to 150 EUR! Wouldn't it be best to buy those animal shelters the so much needed food? We all already have what we need. Can you please help me convince myself and share your experience if you ever did this before? Thanks a billion!
14 comments:
Give the money to the shelters in increments, and put the name of who the gift would have been for. Give the amount you donated (in their name)on a little card and include it in the Christmas card. This does not make children happy, so just do it for the adults and buy or make gifts for the Kiddies.
This is a great idea Sharon, thanks!
It's a wonderful idea Sharon.
Sandra, I don't think you have to mention the amount of money in the Christmas Card, like you wouldn't have mentioned it if it was a gift. Just write to what shelter you have given it, or include a photo ... or just post the pictures on your blog, as money can better be spent on the animals than on photos. ...
;-)
A nice development of Sharon's idea, Eve! Writing about it in my blog or letter sounds perfect!Thank you!
you are like me. I get my cards done in August, ready to be mailed.
About the gifts-we have been doing this for the last several years now. We no longer buy gifts for our family, which is full of people blessed with more than they need or want. Now we select a charity or a shelter, make donations in our family members' names, and include a card with their Chhistmas card which lets them know that such and such shelter received a donation in their name...So far everyone has loved it and they all look forward to seeing who gets a donation in their name each year. Only a couple of whiney babies complain and want wrapped gifts...oops, did I say that out loud???
Polly, you are the best! I will do this - I think I better get my friends used to this kind of gifts:) We all win, don't you think? The charity, my friends and me. Thank you for you comment!
That is a wonderful idea to help the animals in the name of friendship! I'd have to guess that any friend of yours would rather have the animals warm and fed that have a present for themselves! :))))) Great Idea!!!
I don't really want to talk about your Christmas cards being all ready... *sigh* that just depresses me...
Wow, Sandra, you are way ahead of me! I actually did hear Christmas carols on the radio yesterday... I couldn't believe it!
I am with you Sandra, I would rather just spend my money on animals in need, or at least purchase presents from sites that support animal shelters and organisations, but family and friends don't get that...tough! lol.... I think I like your idea of giving money to the organisations and just a small gift to friends and family or just make a donation in their name....Christmas is coming way to fast to make all those important decisions.
Well, ok, i may be the only one with a different opinion but I'll go on with gifts all the same. I think that donating the budget money to shelters is a noble idea, you shoud go ahead with that. But I also think that giving Xmas presents to family and dear friends is beautiful too. It's not just about the tradition, it's a nice way to make them feel loved and cared for. So I wouldn't give it up completely. I would write the donation in their name, yes, but I'd also buy them a little something. Something cheaper, maybe homemade too, but I would still buy soemthing for friends. It makes them feel great too!
Elda, every opinion is welcome! I still think we all have what we need already and I'd rather see a donation in my name for an animal cause than anything else (ok, I could accept a DSLR camera or a trip to Kenya:)). Something home made for Christmas is really nice and I agree it is a good combination with a donation. It is always nice to give and receive gifts but I give gifts for birthdays and during the holidays (and not just then) it is appropriat to think of those who don't have our luck, be it children, the elderly people, the homeless, the animals.
Sandra...you are so caring of animals every single day. We could all learn from you.
I saw a travel show on your country last week. What a gorgeous place to live. So impressed with the architecture and landscape.
I never felt so loved as when I opened my inbox on my birthday last year to find that one of my dreams (adopting an elephant) had come true thanks to a donation made in my honour by a special friend. :)
I will NEVER forget it and I would be thrilled if you sent every single penny that you would even think of spending on me to that shelter. I'd also like if you would send me their information so that rather than sending you a gift, I can send a donation there in your name as well. I truly have everything I need and more. I also know that you care for me. That is more than enough for me. :) GREAT idea Sandra!
Lori, thank you but you do a lot for the animals as well and I love following your every day happenings.
Heather, THANK you for your heartfelt comment. Thank you for always being so supportive:)
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