Question: Have you decided (or thought more about) what you're going to do this xmas, as far as donating money vs. presents?
This Question was in reference to #40 on my 101 in 1001 list which states:
40. Skip celebrating Christmas one year and donate any money we would have spent on the holidays to poor children who otherwise wouldn't have a Christmas - go as far as telling anyone who would have bought us a gift to donate to a charity instead of gifting to us (any gifts we receive should be packed up and donated accordingly)
There are a few parts to this that I question (I'd love to hear how you - readers - interpret it as it's something that we need to decide soon):
1. by "donate any money we would have spent" that indicates Ryan and I. So, considering Jude will probably receive a number of gifts from other people, we (Ryan and I) could NOT buy Jude gifts and spend the money we would have spent on him on gifts for others in need or just make a donation (I'm thinking some sort of large toys for tots donation would be best) and he wouldn't know the difference. Of course we wouldn't take credit, we just won't get him anything - or anything for each other. Also in this scenario, we would do as indicated and donate any gifts that Ryan and I get to others. This scenario would be fine with me.
2. This leads me to the next question of whether or not Jude could accept his gifts, or would we have to donate his gifts (I mean he is part of 'we' now)? As I re-read this I feel like it implies just Ryan and I, but I don't want to say that specifically because I WANT it to read it that way.
If my 101 moral compass (barbie?) indicates that option 1 is fine, then yes, I'll do it this year. If not, then I could see it as potentially being something that never gets crossed off - and I'm completing 100 things in 1001 days...
In the mean time:
I have however advised my family that I do NOT want a crap load of toys for Jude (as whether we work on this item or not he will accept gifts from people) and in addition, Ryan and I do not want anything specifically for ourselves, instead we want the focus on Jude (especially if people don't want their gifts given away as per the above). I have started to put together a small list of things I'd like to get for him:
Building Cubes
Building Sticks
Sprig Toy Trucks (specifically the "discover rig" - I love it!)
The Rainbow Fish book and The Very Hungry Caterpillar (two of the books that I didn't get when purchasing Jude's library while pregnant)
But other than that (and possibly a few other items), I'd prefer a bond or something to contribute to his savings account. Most toys are only used for a short while, lose pieces (especially when the dogs get a hold of them) and in general can be pretty lame. Perhaps when it comes to some of the classic fisher-price style items I'll pull a Barbie and try to grab them up at a yard sale if I feel like I "have" to have it.
Hope that answers your question - and I hope to hear some responses.
9.10.2009
The present dilema...
Courtesy of Alicia Kennedy @ 10:12 AM
Quick Reference 101 in 1001, holidays, Reader Questions
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1 comments:
I think its a terrible idea to donate gifts that were specifically bought for Jude (or you and ryan for that matter). It comes across as rude and unappreciative, IMO.
It is my opinion (do you want it?) that telling people to donate in place of buying u a gift would be a great idea. Telling everyone that you are doing a toys for tots thing is another great idea! However, if someone says "this is for Jude/you/ryan" you should just say Thank You and accept it. I would however make sure you STRESS to everyone that you do not want presents this year. What they do with that request is up to them, i guess. Tell them to save Jude's presents for 5 months and give them to him for his birthday. or v-day, or easter, or whatever. Just make sure everyone knows what you are trying to do!
that was part 1 of my interpretation of this whole thing. part 2 is that you and ryan will not buy anything for anyone (not jude, not each other, not yourself, not anyone) and instead you will make a donation of some sort.
The one part that is really open to interpretation is the "donate any money we would have spent on the holidays". How much money do you think you would spend on gifts this year? This is very hard to determine unless you have a pre-planned budget of: $x per person, x people. I actually don't think you should necessarily even try to figure it out. I think you should just take whatever you have avaible (while still leaving you financially comfortable) and buy donation-presents, or make a donation. I feel like the $ amount is less important than the deed you are doing.
Also, I think spending some time in the kitchen could be a great alternative to spending extra money. perhaps donate some baked goods or volunteer in a soup kitchen (knocking #41 off your 101 list). I would be happy to join/help you.
One more thing comes to mind: i sometimes hear about a coat donating organization - people donate (i believe) gently used coats and jackets. I dont know if they only take child sizes, but perhaps you/we have some laying around we could donate?
Ok, ONE more thing. Lets me start by saying this: I KNOW HOW EXPENSIVE THIS STUFF ENDS UP BEING!! and perhaps the fact that you have to spend money on it defeats the entire purpose (this is sounding more and more like a bad idea) im just going to throw it out there anyway. Maybe throw a holiday party at your house (well before xmas) and ask everyone to bring a toy (for toys for tots) or a coat, or whatever you want/decide!! And a dish. Including your family members would be a great way to get more toys, and a great way for them to participate - but could make for a lame party (sorry Wilson family, no offense).
If you find a place you can donate baked goods or something, I say we do another cookie party!!! Or a couple of 'em.
I think the biggest downfall to your venture (there aren't many-i think this is a wonderful thing you're going to do!!) is that i would think this means no xmas tree.
Ok, im done for now.
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