How many of you are NOT buying much if any this Christmas?

[madamesilverspurs]

57. Thrifty.

Several years ago we all agreed that we weren't in need of extravagences. So, we instituted a $5 cap, with gifts coming from local thrift shops. The only "rule" - the gift has to make the recipient smile. And it's understood that the smile is the real gift, so the item itself can be re-donated to again benefit the organization running the thrift shop. Also, any generous inclination is not limited to the holidays; we all support food banks year round, either through donations or volunteering. My niece and nephews grew up serving meals at homeless shelters.

This year I'll be supporting a couple of local thrift shops; they are operated by organizations that help local families, and there are plenty of families in need following our Colorado floods. When I go visit my family, the "gifts" I've purchased here will likely be donated to similar thrift shops in their area. They get more business to help more people, but we get to keep the smiles.