[gemy]

I have to say this thread makes me very sad about the future of Christmas. It is a time of giving and of loving, of reaching out to folks you mayhap only reach out to at Christmas.


It is not about obligatory gifts be they Christmas cards or presents. You don't gift or send a card in expectation of a return gift, or even a thank-you. When you give from your heart, free of expectations, that is in the *true* spirit of Christmas.


I fondly remember my parents who started in the beginning of November to write hand written notes to their far flung family, then purchased Christmas cards to go with their notes. They mailed out to USA and Europe, with different delivery dates, but they wanted each and every-one to receive their missive, to let these folks know, they remembered them with fondness and wish them the very best.


In this day and age, I think we have gotten very lazy indeed. And we try to justify that inertia or laziness with various excuses.


So take the heart of this beautifull season and give where and when you can, to those that you love.