Ask any kid what their favorite holiday is, and no doubt they’ll say, “Christmas.” Okay, maybe even any adult. Who doesn’t love the pine-scented coziness, twinkling lights, and homemade treats? (Confession: My favorite is “matzo crack,” a delicious concoction of matzo crackers, toffee, chocolate, and crushed peppermint. So. Addicting.)
Growing up in the Midwest, we didn’t have a lot of money, so the holidays seemed a little sparse. Sure, we made cut-out sugar cookies and opened presents, but there were no fancy dolls or expensive electronics under the tree. (Not that the electronics were that high-tech then anyway—I mean, it was the ‘80s, after all.)
Christmas was basically like the rest of the year, when we made it by with not much extra. I remember the shock I felt overhearing a classmate in my hometown high school, whose dad, a physician, “only” gave her $300 for back-to-school clothes. Are you kidding? My back-to-school shopping consisted of a trip to the local Goodwill store. Occasionally, a bag of clothes would be dropped off anonymously on our apartment stoop, which I gratefully accepted as an answer to my teenaged prayer.
Sure, it was tough to deal with at the time, but it gave me perspective and taught me the difference between wants and needs. I realized there were people much worse off—our family had a place to live, after all. Not having extra spending money maybe wasn’t fun, but it was an incentive to get creative.
Late nights found me fashioning a vintage turquoise fabric into a top (without a pattern … and I must admit, not all that flattering) or making my own accessories. When I was old enough to get my first job, the value of thriftiness stayed with me and helped me evaluate whether I really needed to purchase something.
Now, I actually prefer to find my clothes at thrift stores because I honestly don’t understand why I should spend more money if I like it and it fits, or can be self-tailored to fit! Reusing or remaking things just makes good sense, plus there’s a sense of satisfaction in turning an item destined for the trash into something beautiful and wearable. (This leather-and-metal bracelet? Yep, it came from a worn-out wallet. That tote bag? It was fashioned from a vintage potato sack and scraps of canvas drop cloth.)
I hope my daughter understands this. So far, she seems cool with going to garage sales and inventing creative outfits. But there are many years ahead. Already she’s coming home from school asking for this or that, and her Christmas wish list is getting longer (the latest additions … a touch-screen electronic device, and anything related to the movie “Frozen”). Initially, I want to get her everything, because who doesn’t want to make the kids in their lives happy? But even if we could afford it all, is that what’s best for them and will encourage them to grow into thoughtful, unselfish adults?
Thankfully, the holidays offer many opportunities to model that message. There are so many local organizations, churches, and businesses that sponsor programs to help kids and adults in our community. Buying a coat, a toy, or food for others reminds us that life isn’t always about ourselves. Reaching out a hand in encouragement could be the lifeline someone needs.
At the end of the day—or holidays—it’s not about whether we got (or gave) everything on the wish list. It’s about the simple things, the things that don’t come with a price.
This Christmas, I’ll be contemplating all these things. And I may just have my plate piled high with matzo crack. M! December 2014/January 2015
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