1. Buy yourself something nice.
2. Don’t spend it all in one place.
Same list as always.
This year, we’re going to try something a little different. You’re all getting presents. I know this. I don’t even celebrate Christmas and I get presents every year. We call this the “season for giving” except we all get. Now, I know that you gave her a porcelain duck and he gave you a sweater and she gave him socks, but, in the end, don’t we all come out even?
I give to you and you give to me and neither of us ever really has to give anything. It all works out. Well, if that’s your “season of giving,” then “bah-hum-bug” indeed! Let’s start a new trend. We won’t change the world, but we can change our world. We can impact the lives of those around us.
Your instructions are as follows:
1. At least 20% of your giving (as determined by monetary value) will be to people (or a person) who hate(s) you. No one hates you? Then people who just don’t like you. Everyone likes you? Then people who you would not normally give to.
Why? Because you’re not all that good. So you give to those who are closest to you. Who doesn’t? Name the most selfish, self-centered, uncaring person you know. Even that person gives to those who are closest to them. I’m asking you to take it a step further. I’m asking you to rise above the standard set by the rest of society and give, no only of your wallet, but of yourself.
2. At least 50% of what you receive (as determined by monetary value), you will give to people (or a person) who need it more than you do. If the gifts which you receive are not of a nature which would benefit such a person (i.e. a sweater with your name engraved on it, a car, or something with sentimental value) you may exchange the gift for the value of the gift. That is to say that if, for instance, you get that sweater and that is your only gift, you may keep the sweater and give the Rescue Mission or Feed the Children or the single mom down the street (or maybe your own) half the value of the sweater in cash or another gift. (You can even ask for receipts for all your gifts so that you can exchange or return them if necessary. I am sure no one would mind or be offended, especially if you explain why.)
Why? Because you’re not all that good. So you give. Who doesn’t? Everyone gives on Christmas. What makes you so special because you do what every other human being in your world is doing? I’m asking you to take it a step further. I’m asking you to rise above the standard set by the rest of society and give, no only of your wallet, but of yourself.
Trust me, folks. It’s not the end of the world. It’s only the beginning.
And what a world it would be if this was the standard for all four seasons.
Tags: Whatever by Semage
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