And really that's not a lot,
Been an angel all year,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa honey, there's one thing I really do need,
The deed To a platinum mine,
Santa honey, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
-Eartha Kitt, "Santa Baby"
I recently had the honor of hosting Silicon Valley Moms Blog's "Dine and Dish" webisode, where five kick-butt bloggers and I chatted about the economy and the holidays. We drank wine. We laughed. We commiserated about the pressure to keep up with the Jobs-es (our version of the Jones-es) in Silicon Valley and then we laughed even more at the notion of even trying. Most of us are just hoping to keep it together this year.
The economy is affecting all of us - whether it is causing us to worry about what is left of our retirement funds to thinking more strategically about what our kids really need or don't for holiday gifts. Many of us are going back to holiday traditions, like hosting low-key potlucks, staying close to home and forgoing lavish vacations. For example, at my household, Santa's bag is going to be a lot lighter. We talked at length about how this season is the perfect time to teach the valuable lessons of generosity, love and community building. It is the right time to teach our kids about privilege and poverty. But it's not easy.
My 5YO daughter got the Target gift catalog and promptly circled everything pink, sparkly or anything with Hannah Montana's picture on it. When I asked her about what she was doing - she replied, "I think I am going to be on Santa's Good list". With the marker in her left hand and catalog in the right, I didn't think she was in the right frame of mind to get the whole "you are a lucky kid" conversation. She didn't completely, but her 9 YO brother did get it and was able to boil his gift list down to just a few items and helped to wrap presents we bought to donate to the Family Giving Tree. Whew, I'm doing something right.
I learned a lot at dinner. Beth, Glennia, Jill, Kimberly and Lia each had different approaches to what is going to work for their families. It was clear that these women love their children fiercely. Having money or not to spend gifts doesn't change that. They are brilliant and have an opinion about EVERYTHING. When times are tough, it is good to have a community of girlfriends who get where you are coming from and love you anyway.
The best presents are the ones that don't cost a cent. Some inspirational music from one of my favorites, the Beatles, to keep you going this season.
Can't buy me love, love
Can't buy me love
I'll buy you a diamond ring my friend if it makes you feel alright
I'll get you anything my friend if it makes you feel alright
'Cause I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love
I'll give you all I got to give if you say you love me too
I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you
I don't care too much for money, money can't buy me love
Can't buy me love, everybody tells me so
Can't buy me love, no no no, no
Great post Sheila! Loved the idea of a video to accompany your post.
Posted by: desiree | December 10, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Make your own life time more simple get the personal loans and all you want.
Posted by: Robbie29Bauer | July 22, 2010 at 05:56 AM