home-school happenings
This season, simplify and share By Nicole McKeon WNC Parent columnist
So. It’s almost here. Christmas. And, everyone is looking for ways to budget and save. Or, at least we are. The economy is terrible, the cost of everything is up and the job outlook is poor. I am choosing to look at this as an opportunity. I refuse to allow money to control my state of mind. I will not allow the consumer nation that we’ve become disrupt my joy. So, I am planning my counter-attack. My revolution. (Uh, oh, I can hear the clicking as the NSA taps into my telephone!) My happiness will not be controlled by corporations, banks or Wall Street. Won’t you join me? Here’s my plan. Our family is going to concentrate on creating great moments
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together. We will be spending time in front of the wood stove reading great stories, popping popcorn, talking and listening to music. We are going to talk about how much we love each other. We are going to talk about what people used to do for Christmas — during the 1800s, during the Depression, during World War II — and we are going to follow their lead, and make gifts for our friends and family. We are going shopping in our own house — let’s face it, most of us have way too much stuff, and maybe our trash will be someone elses treasure. We are going to re-read “Little House in the Big Woods” by Laura Ingalls and share in the simple joys of the company of loved ones. Maybe we can force ourselves to see the current economic conditions as an opportunity rather than a disaster. Perhaps this is a precipice for our society, where we can make a choice to re-learn what truly is important. Maybe we can use
this time to really see the people around us who are in need. I know we sometimes lose sight of the difference between want and need at our house. It’s easy to do when you are bombarded by the pressure of our commercialand fear-based society. But, aren’t we lucky to have food on our table? Yes. And, shouldn’t we be aware of all the folks who don’t have food on their tables? Because, the numbers are growing. I am not sure how we can help. But, here are some suggestions for local groups that would welcome your donations of money, food and/or time: » ABCCM: Especially in my thoughts during this season is ABCCM’s veterans ministry. You can donate or volunteer to help these homeless heroes at www.abccm.org. » Brother Wolf: Let’s not forget about our furry friends. This time of the year is especially hard on shelters and abandoned animals, and our friends at Brother Wolf
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