Given the chance, what would you do differently this Christmas?

In all the christmases of my life, I've always done the same thing...give out gifts. So, when I think of what I will do differently this Christmas, it's the exact opposite of what I've always done in the past...that is NOT to give out gifts. I know this may sound a bit off the line. Like, is it possible? Because so many relatives and friends are expecting. But that's the point. I don't want to give in to their expectations anymore. Christmas sould be merry and not be harrassed by the so called Christmas rush. So, this time I am going to break that tradition. I also hate it when the stores are so full of people you have to stand in line for soooo long. I will do my shopping after the rush. No need to stand in the long queue. So the gift giving may not be really totally removed, but just delayed.

hi chadster42! christmas is just around the corner... and the season is in the air. yes, around christmas time, the whole family gathers and share food, entertainment and gifts. it's one of the occasions everyone in my family are together in the homestead or everyone flies in to wherever we will spend christmas in. it's a happy season but also one of the busiest because we have lots of kids in the family and my 7 siblings each have a family of their own living outside of our hometown. i am usually in charge of all the flight coordination, holiday itinerary, christmas program and other preparations. 6 months ago, i have thought of having christmas outside of the country for a change... but i realized that would mean shipping 27 people who would be celebrating with me. kinda expensive to do. hehehe one thing different this season however is my charity activities lined up this month. we have several activities for gift-giving and feeding programs for less-fortunate kids in far flung areas, about 300 total in two schools. in addition we also have same activities for an orphange, home for the aged, senior citizens, foster home and lastly, my home will host a christmas party for streetkids and disadvantaged children in the local barangay. about 60 kids aged 4-6 years old and includes a few disabled children in the care of the local social welfare department. we would be requesting my nephews and nieces to participate in the activity and share their talents, toys and time for these less-fortunate ones... so they may realize how well loved and cared for they are and much much more fortunate than most of the kids in our hometown.

Hi, chadster42. I would like to donate clothes to the less fortunate. This would be one of my main goals to have. I also would like to send out cards to my family that is up state. I really don't get to talk to them, but I would like to send them a card before Christmas, letting them know that I am thinking about them. And that I really do love them.