Pay it forward throughout the year

Mom and I have Christmas all through the year. We buy ourselves stuff. We buy each other stuff. Not big things. It is just the two of us and our cats. This year we barely decorated. It was a hard Christmas for mom. We are the few family we have left.

I believe that we all should pay it forward. 

Donate your time to those that are in need. Go visit the elderly. Volunteer for the Humane Society. Reduce your clutter and take it to shelters. Everyone can use a blanket or a few clothes. Maybe toys that your kids don't play with anymore.  

The greatest rewards are those that bring joy, peace, and love to others. It isn't just the money that can help others, it is our time and care that mean the most. It leaves a lasting impression.

I also believe that we need to help others. I have seen the smiles and gratitude in the positive things we do for other people. 

Pay it forward people! You will become a better person for it!

Commercialism

I hope everyone has had a serene holiday. 

It is time now to vent. 

I've been through the madness of the season. Increased traffic, madness inside stores, sour attitudes, and a host of crazy stupid people.

The holiday season is meant to celebrate the triumph of Christian ideology and family traditions of ole. 

We close stores early. Wee little ones eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus on Christmas day. Sleep is very eluding in lieu of the anxious imp. 

The aroma of food and family enlighten the home with joy, happiness, and fulfillment. Family get-togethers are meaningful to the holiday season.

The traditions of family and many cultures always bring meaning to the holiday season. Irregardless of your beliefs, culture, or religion, the holidays are meant to bring peace and family together.

Why is it that stores are open beyond what is considered normal? Why do we need to spend money on things that we may use only a few times during the year? Things will sit in closets and every nook n' cranny of our houses collecting dust. Then the next holiday we beg for something new. It will collect dust with the other stuff that we have neglected throughout the year.

Many of us do not have a lot of family left. There are some people that commit suicide during the holidays because it is basically too much of a burden. Homeless people sit on street corners or in shelters with no one. 

Animals live where ever they can find a place to stay dry. Sometimes they are lucky enough to be in a good shelter.

You stand in line with the newest toys and the latest fashions. For what? Nothing! If you're lucky the toys and clothes will be used. It may end up broke and begin collecting dust like all the rest.

Here is some advice for all you who go through the Commercialized chaos of the holiday season: save your money!

Donate your time and unused items to the animals and people who are in shelters. Go spend time with the elderly who may never have any visitors. Why should we let people die alone and be alone. 

Commercialism equals asshole-ism. We are so needy, egotistical, and money driven that we ignore those that need us the most. We can take our spirit with us as we depart this physical plane. Not even one item will be allowed on that journey.

The greatest rewards are those that bring joy, peace, and love to others. It isn't just the money that can help others, it is our time and care that mean the most. It leaves a lasting impression.