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Newsletter ~ Email List>
Happy Holidays in Tough Times
During the recession of the 80's, I gave my employer, at the time, a Christmas card that said "Things are tough and times are hard . . . Please reimburse me for this Christmas Card" Thing were tough at the time, my husband and I had just bought our first house together, the mortgage payment was over twice what we had been paying rent on our apartment. It took every penny of our savings to get into the house. All major purchases had to wait until we had money to pay for them. Credit cards were only used in an emergency or when we could pay them off within two months. We both had jobs and things were tight for several years but we made due with what we had and waited for better times. The economic crisis that everyone is going through now is far worse and will last a lot longer. Our situation has changed as well, my husband had to stop working a couple years ago because of major health problems. I have worked from home for several years now and I'm sure if I had a full time job when my husband started having major problems, I would have lost my job because I would have had to take so much time off. I know things will get better and we will make it through.
Like so many others I have talked too, it's hard to get into the Spirit of the Season. We had already cut back on holiday spending and shortened our gift giving list. I found that a handmade card and a packet of homemade cookies was just as well received as a designer card and fancy chocolates. I found gifts that were needed, as well as wanted, for family and close friends.
I'm not sharing this with you for sympathy, I know everyone is feeling the effects of these times. Last month I told my husband that it could always be worse and I know it is a lot worse for many people this year. When I was doing my Thanksgiving Dinner Shopping, I also picked up a few items to donate to the local food bank. Last weekend I bought some toys to donate to the local toy drive for children that have less than my two beautiful grandsons. I know it's not a lot, but if everyone gave just a little, it would mean a lot for those that have much less.
May the holidays be special because of the love of our family and friends. Remember the Spirit of the Season.
May the season bring you peace, joy, hope and love. Best wishes for New Year!
Kimberly
kimberlyphoto
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