Bah, humbug!

[birdie1971]

My wife and I have decided that this year we're not going to spend daft sums of money on numerous presents for family and friends. We've totted up roughly how much we would have spent on these gifts and decided that we'll donate the money to various charities instead. I've already donated some of my money to my three favourite charities but now I'm struggling – not because I'm unable to find worthy causes but because once you start to look into it, there are literally thousands and thousands of them.

Any suggestions?

[NazNomad]

Something local, where the money might be used beneficially instead of a huuuge charity where it'll get soaked into administration costs.

[welshlibranr]

Sorry, but I find this so sad, ok, give some to charity, but give some goodwill to your family and friends too, maybe you have folk in your area who are alone, buy a gift for them, maybe invite them into your home at Xmas, but for me family comes first!.........

[MarkRae]

Well said, birdie. Christmas is a total waste of time and money...

[NOX]

Great idea birdie- I always donate the amount of money I'd have spetn on a present for my father if he was alive and my brother who is but who I don't care to buy a present for;-)

[birdie1971]

Welshlibranr:

I'm sorry (and rather surprised) that you find it sad. I'm very close to both my family and friends and I have explained to them why I am doing it. They have all been very supportive and agreed with me – so much so, that rather than buy presents for me and my wife, they have offered to make charitable donations too. I think that's rather nice.

As to the people in my area who are alone, I must confess that I don't really know of them. I'm sure they exist as they do everywhere, but I don't know them personally or even in passing. I know just about everyone on my street and none of them are single – they're all families.

My family comes first for me too. But this year, I didn't want to pay lip service to the idea that buying someone a gift somehow demonstrates 'love'. Anyone can buy someone a present. At least this way, the money I spend might actually affect someone's life on a more profound level than merely lining the pockets of a large multi-national clothing or confectionery chain.

[birdie1971]

NazNomad - "Something local..."

Yes. I like that idea.

Thanks.

[birdie1971]

Mark -

And a bah, humbug to you too!


:-)

[mrs.chappie]

I see where you're coming from, birdie. I've said a similar thing to my family. I love being with them at Christmas ... eating, drinking and being merry and all that, but the gift thing puts a spanner in the works for me. Sadly, presents cause more arguments between my adult family members than they're worth.

We all have far too much of everything anyway and I really don't like it.

My donation would go to a local animal shelter.

[birdie1971]

NOX:

About the charity thing – nice one.

Pity about your brother though. Families eh? Complicated, strange things.

[birdie1971]

mrs.chappie: “We all have far too much of everything anyway and I really don't like it.”

I could not agree more. Well said.

[Halifaxmum]

Great idea!

I give to the charities I support monthly, but I think this is a truly good idea....think I might suggest it to my step-mother - I usually spend £20 or so on something I think she might want (but probably doesn't)...thanks for the prompt!

And Merry Christmas to you! x

[birdie1971]

Thanks to Naz for prompting me to look closer to home and to Mrs Chappie for mentioning her local animal shelter, I think I've found what I'm looking for...

http://www.penninepen.org.uk/


Anyone else, with a few coppers to spare this Christmas, feel free.

[Halifaxmum]

Personally, I give to WaterAid, Guide dogs, GOSH, RSPCA, Cancer research & Little Princess Trust - i don't think you can fault any of em, but I know what you mean - the list can be endless! x

[birdie1971]

Halifaxmum – And a merry Christmas to you too! Cheers.

[mrs.chappie]

Fantastic cause, birdie. I've just made a donation, thanks for posting it.

[birdie1971]

The more I look into this, the more I wish I was wealthy.

[birdie1971]

mrs.chappie – You're a star!

[mrs.chappie]

Birdie, I've had a message from Paypal saying that the recipient is unable to receive money. :o(

[birdie1971]

^^^ Bummer. I'll ring them tomorrow and see what's what.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks birdie. I'll keep a look out for your post. I don't mind sending a cheque if the Paypal problem can't be sorted.