Dear Survivormom:

I know the feeling as do many others, obviously. This Christmas, I asked my two sons what they needed and nothing they listed was a need. I taught them that a need is food, shelter, warmth and clothing. I also taught them about originality in taking something they already have and changing it somehow with their own crafts ideas. We also took sometime to do some volunteer work for somebody else. I took my sons, when they were little, to a senior's home and they played with the seniors and made them Christmas cards like they would for their own Grandparents. They loved being appreciated. Other ideas could be making crafts for each of the 12 days of Christmas.They received each piece on each day of the Christmas season. They were small but fun because everyday they had something to open. Just some ideas. Christmas can be whatever you want it to be, spiritual, giving to others, activities instead of things. That is what I am doing this Christmas. Activities create memories.