Looking ahead
Well, the holidays are over and I would just like to say, Yay. Don’t get me wrong, I do love Christmas, but I hate, hate, hate how it’s become so commercial. I was chatting with my sister about all the people that go broke buying gifts for EVERYONE. She said she was one of those people. My son bought gifts for me, his father and his sister but said he still needed to do more shopping. I told him no, that one gift was enough, any more was just excessive, but he really didn’t seem to care and wanted to buy more. I fear he’s going to be one of those that grow up and max out the visa. Somewhere along the line he forgot what Christmas was really about.
My daughter makes all her gifts and they are so amazing. She made me this beautiful memory box from stuff around the house. When you take the lid off the box and the four sides fall open and are filled with pictures. It took her forever to make it, (she was working away in her bedroom for days) and honestly that means so much more to me than something purchased from the store.
So now I’m looking ahead to the new year. In the next few months we’ll be putting our house up for sale (sniff) and looking for a new place in the city. I have a couple of books to write, and I’m attending the RT conference in Orlando (April) which I’m really looking forward to. I’m excited to see all my friends again, and my bestest friend is coming along with me. YAY!
I’m not setting any resolutions or goals at this point, because right now it really feels like I just have to take it one day at a time.
So how about you. Any goals or resolutions for the new year?
Cathryn Fox is an award winning author with having books on the best sellers list at both Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. 
I’m with you on the over-commercialization of Christmas. While I have a long list of people to get gifts for, they are all family and I have a cost limit for each one. My grandparents, people who seem to have everything, only got picture frames and their choice of any picture from me they want. As for my nieces and nephews, it was books and an outing with me.
Now I’m ready for the new year. My only goal for the coming year, at least at the moment, is to start my Master’s in Software Programming.
28 Dec 08 at 7:55 pm #I know what you mean Cathy. I find all the intense focus on expensive stuff makes me cringe. I try to keep it low key around my house.
Your son has a generous heart and what a wonderful gift from your daughter.
29 Dec 08 at 11:27 pm #Y’know, I get why you don’t want your son spending so much, and I completely get what you mean about how the holiday itself has become so commercial, but at the same time, I tend to spoil my family at Christmas.
In Fact, we spoil each other, or maybe it just seems that way because we have such a small family, only the four of us. However, I do know we tend to go nuts buying for each other more because we want to show our love and Christmas is one of two times of year we spend all together. And in our family , one thing very clear is that the gifts all tend to be things we think the other will love love and enjoy, even if it’s a Used book or a tin of home baked cookies.
We’re all very hard to buy for because we never ask for anything from each other…and in a way, that tends to make the giving even more special…
Goals this year…hmm same as every year. Lose 100 pounds LOL
30 Dec 08 at 5:34 am #Wow, Karin, a Master’s in Software programming. How wonderful for you!! i get a rash just thinking about doing something like that.
Anne, low key is good. And Alex is generous but he has to match that generosity with his bank account!
LOL Sasha, I’m with you on the losing weight goal! It frightened me when I stepped on the scale today. I think I’ll put it away for awhile and just concentrate on exercising and eating better.
30 Dec 08 at 10:53 am #It really is nice to spoil each other and I love, love, love when someone puts special thought into a gift and not just buy because they feel they have to. I just don’t want Alex to go broke buying and buying. One thoughful gift from the heart is perfect!
Cathryn!
01 Jan 09 at 12:08 pm #Happy New Year!! Can’t wait to see you again in Orlando! I’m with you on the commercial-ness. I hate it. This year, my dad refurbished the doll cradle he made for me when I was five to give to the four-year-old. She’s happiest with that old cradle and her favorite dolls lined up inside it.
Well, Cathryn, I’ll find out whether or not I’ll get a rash from the classes or not soon. I’ve got a back-up plan of switching to a Master’s in Education if any hives appear. lol
02 Jan 09 at 6:32 pm #