It's Not About the Money, Money, Money.

It's Christmas time again, and I have to say, I love this time of year... once it starts. At all other times of the year, when I think of the Christmas season, I anticipate it with dread. The manic people everywhere, the lack of money that seems to manifest every year, the feeling that it's all about money, money, money... I DON'T love that part.

I had a conversation with my son this morning about giftgiving. He's a college student and doesn't have much money to spend and it's uncomfortable for him (and everyone) when friends give you gifts and you have nothing to give in return.

I told him that it isn't the cost of the gift that matters, but the fact that you remembered that person, thought of them, and that you even wanted to give to them, that matters.

We aren't trying to one up each other. That's not what it's about at all. Even if you aren't christian, and don't celebrate the season as "Christmas" time, the holiday atmosphere can be contageous, and everyone likes to give and receive. It's not about the money, my friends, even though we get caught up in that sometimes. It's about love. Pure and simple. We yearn to make the people we love happy!

If you want to give something and don't have funds, make something.

I actually perfer a homemade gift. They just seem more heartfelt. Time means something to me, so if you actually make me a gift, I'll probably treasure it over one that is costly and storebought, unless it's a new computer or a treadmill. ;)

Anywho, put some thought into the presents you give this year. Make your gifts matter!