At the risk of sounding shallow, I'll admit it: I get sorely
disappointed each Christmas if I don't get what I want. Starting at
about age 8, I remember not getting the roller skates I told my mom
were the MOST IMPORTANT thing on my list. I remember moping around the
house disappointed and then feeling sheepish when Grandma came over
for Chirstmas dinner with a large box tied up with a shiny red ribbon
and you can guess what inside.
At 13, I remember receiving the cool blue jeans with the grey panels
that everyone was wearing that year...only to find they didn't fit.
At 19, I received gorgeous gold and freshwater pearl earrings and a
trip to St. Maarten from my generous boyfriend. Ten days later, I dove
into the ocean and surfaced less one pearl. I guess it was returning
to its cousins. I still have the single pearl; I never was able to
find a replacement freshwater pearl that matched.
At 23, my first Christmas with my husband, I remember receiving a
beautiful swing coat and wonderful gold earrings he'd had made for me.
Thoughtful, yes, but I expected a teeny bit more. Unwrapping that year
took all of five seconds.
Now, in my 30s, I've finally figured out that it truly isn't about
receiving. Sounds corny, but giving is the only thing that really
makes you feel great. This holiday season, volunteer at a homeless
shelter, donate clothes and food, or adopt a pet (post-holiday; no one
needs a puppy tearing down their Christmas tree).
Please, for joy that'll last all year long (definitely more satisfying
than the month-long high you get from new Prada boots), consider
giving a homeless pet a place to stay. Not into puppies? There are
plenty of older dogs and cats that just want to hang out and be loved.
No training required.
Isn't this girl cute? She was literally thrown away at a puppy mill (a
horrible place where they carelessly breed for profit; stay away from
pet stores as their pets come from mills and are usually subject to
horrible conditions en route) and rescued by a garbage man. Her sibs
didn't make it but her new owner is certainly glad SHE did!
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