Presents aren't always Gifts.

I have a lot on my mind about family right now. I am not sure how much of it is appropriate to put on line. I will do my best to be kind and loving.

There are many people that I miss seeing and being with during the holidays. Some of whom I miss more often than that. I wish you were here.

We have family members who live in town who....here is where I have to keep my mouth shut, I guess. I love Christmas. It is about giving. I LOVE to give. I DO give. Give time. Give support. Give prayers. Give hugs. Give. Not always is this in the form of presents. We do give to the people who we have strong relationships with. I am sorry if this offends you, but this is the way we feel. Some family members agree with me on this, and that is cool. We came to this agreement earlier this year. RIGHT ON. Others have yet to come around.

Please don't try to give me guilt about this. It is what it is. It is not meant to be mean. It is just the way we feel. The gifts don't have meaning from the giver or the receiver if they are given because "that is what we have done for years". I don't buy it. Nor will I have guilt about it. Gifts should be given out of love for each other, not to show up one another or show off. There are some to whom I probably should give, and don't. For that, I apologize.

We work hard for what we buy. We invest. We save. We work our money to the best of our ability. We don't have a lot. We pinch here, and do without there. We are happy.

Life is good. Please remember not to judge others' outsides, by your insides.