Christmas Charity

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MarkoB0726

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I know Christmas is supposed to be a season of charity and giving to the poor and less-fortunate, but quite frankly, I just don’t want to give anything. Truthfully, I just don’t care. I know that may sound quite cruel, but I just don’t feel any burning desire to help or be charitable. Honestly, I have enough of my own crosses to carry in my life right now, so I don’t see why my not giving this year should be considered a sin.

While I’m in no means poor, I’m also not rich either. Maybe God should start demanding the rich and wealthy be more charitable.

Anyways, that’s my rant for today. Feel free to comment (or not).
 
I can kind of understand how you feel. years ago, I used to love to pick the angels off the tree and buy toys for kids. I have seen two angel trees in the past 10 days, but I have not reached out to take an angel off. I found myself thinking how many angels are on the tree and will all the angels be picked and if I buy presents, will they really go to the kids whose names are on my angel.
then tonight I went to Taco Bell and as I waiting to pull out onto the street there was a lady there holding a sign that said
HUNGRY. I literally had no dollars on me.
It didn’t occur to me to reach into my box and just give her a taco.
I am already having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, because it is my
first Christmas alone.
 
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Hello. A lot of people get depressed during the holidays…

Since you say you’re by no means poor, maybe you could give to those who are by all means poor. You don’t have to feel anything either way, but the gesture is always appreciated, even small ones. Anyway, maybe you’re feeling down.

Have you ever watched that old movie “Sullivan’s Travels?”

My two cents…
 
OK, if that’s how you feel, that’s how you feel. If you don’t want to give anything, no one is making you do so.

I guess my question is why did you post about it here?

Were you hoping for people to agree with you, talk you out of it, ask you more about your personal crosses, or what?

I myself don’t really monitor others’ charitable giving and it’s something we’re supposed to be doing in private where our Father sees in private anyway, so I don’t quite understand why someone would make an announcement that they were going to give or not give to a charity (unless they were objecting to the particular charity on some moral ground, like it supports abortion or it only gives 5 cents of every dollar to the poor). I’m kind of like, fine, whatever, I don’t care what you do, but I don’t want to be dismissive when I don’t fully understand why you made the thread.

Many of us have had years where charitable giving was not the main thing on our mind at Christmas because we were broke, or depressed, or dealing with personal tragedies of our own, or felt the Christmas charity appeals were becoming in their own way as pushy and commercialized as the ads for material goods. I myself often prefer to give at some time of year that’s not Christmas because expenses and needs go on all year round, not just in November and December. I don’t think it’s a big deal either way, it’s between me and God.
 
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I’m sorry—this must be an especially difficult time of year for you. Hope you have a peaceful Christmas.
 
I was excited to finally be able to move out from my son and daughter-in-law’s house, but I forgot about the holidays. They live 2 1/2 hours away in a mountain town where it is very cold this time of year. I am in a big city in the desert where it is nice and warm. I miss them and my grandkids, but I really miss their dogs. Pets give you such unconditional love and are always happy to see you and make you feel needed. I am in an apartment and don’t really want the expense of a pet right now.
 
That’s a lot of changes—be kind to yourself over the holidays. And let me just advocate for the benefits of being owned by a cat! They’re easier and quieter than dogs, you can go away for a weekend without them, and they are warm and affectionate.
 
7_Sorrows said:
will they really go to the kids whose names are on my angel.
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I just wanted to address this in case other people have a similar concern

I have worked “angel trees” from several different organizations in many locations. Every single organization was very good at ensuring that each child was given exactly what it was on their ticket. I can’t vouch for ALL locations and programs, but the ones I have worked have truly been Santa for these kids.

More children are not able to have their needs placed on a tree or in a program so the needs are never fully met. There are always some tags not picked and even more never returned. And many of us that work with the agencies spend a large amount on buying as much as possible of what never came in, just to make sure we get as many covered as possible.

Sorry to derail the thread, but this is a legitimate concern that many people have. I just wanted to maybe ease some people’s minds.
 
Also, I do somewhat understand. This is a bittersweet Christmas for my family as well. It is hard to stay positive when changes have occurred or are looming. We have lived in our current location for many years now but will be moving at the beginning of the summer. Half of our “children” (the 4 over 18) will not be moving with us, and it may be a long time before we are all together at Christmas time again. I should be looking forward to making this a very special Christmas, full of joy and memories. Instead it is a Christmas of dread. If I could stop time I would.

We are all in this together and I will pray we each receive the grace from Christ needed to journey on. Come Baby Jesus, and revive our hearts!
 
Thanks for addressing the concerns I had expressed. I live in a very large city, but I hope the same holds true here as where you live. More than likely as the Advent season progresses, I will pick an angel off of a tree somewhere and buy the presents listed on the card.
 
JulianN said:
That’s a lot of changes—be kind to yourself over the holidays. And let me just advocate for the benefits of being owned by a cat! They’re easier and quieter than dogs, you can go away for a weekend without them, and they are warm and affectionate.
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Previously, I have been a cat owner as well as a dog owner and cats can also be good company and are not as needy as dogs. I had considered getting a cat, but then there is also the security deposit required and I might start working again in the next couple of months and don’t know if I want the cat to be left alone. It will depend on how many hours I work.
 
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