Vela, I have felt exactly like you do for many years. Christmas has become a real drudgery for me rather than an enjoyable event.

After dreading the holiday season for so many years, I decided to change things this year. With my sister's help, we chose a family to help instead of punishing ourselves with the buying of gifts for each other. None of us need anything and trying to come up with ideas just because we were supposedly required to, wasn't getting it.

On of my sister's students(she's a fourth grade teacher)has a younger brother with leukemia. His Mom is single and financially unable to give the kids a Christmas. She is swamped with medical bills in addition to everything else, so Christmas was not going to happen in their house this year.

My family decided to buy gifts for the kids, get them a tree with all the decorations, and buy their groceries for their dinner. In addition to that, we are giving the Mom a check to get everything else she might need.

We are also receiving a great deal of support from most of our employers and other people of the community. Everyone wanted to help out after hearing the story. I'm truly amazed at the outpouring of the community.

I've haven't felt this good about Christmas in a very long time. It's just great to help this family.
I'm thrilled to share this story with my fellow PT'ers also. I'm with you Vela. Let's take our Christmas back!!