My mother once hosted a sit-down Christmas dinner for
44. She was a basket case for a
week leading up to the big day, so much so that I felt it was affecting her
ability to enjoy the holiday. When
I asked her about it, she told me (for the millionth time), “Christmas is for
kids”. Now a mother myself, I totally
get it, but want to amend the statement.
Christmas is for kids, and for millionaires.
Really. Why are
the holidays so damn expensive? Halloween
set me back a pretty penny. I have
yet to do my Thanksgiving grocery shopping, but it’s gonna get ugly. And Christmas? Just my cards alone, though
ridiculously cute, cost more than the last box of Twinkies on Ebay.
Then, just when I was about to be completely bah humbugged
out, this happened.
I was speaking with the mother of two daughters in their
early 20’s. Mom had just
celebrated her birthday, and hadn’t wanted her girls to spend what little money
they have on a gift for her.
Instead, she asked for one text message a day for a year.
Any time of day, as short or long as they choose, photo or
no photo. Just once a day, every
day, let me know you are thinking of me.
Now, if the mom were really to keep mega-track of the text
records and ground them for a slip up, I might want to get Ice-T involved.
But the idea behind this is really
beautiful, free, and worth more than any millionaire could spend.
So is my free holiday tip to you… Green bean casserole is always better with a splash (or few)
of soy sauce.
Happy Thanksgiving!
