| Sunny Side Up Nov. 30, 2005 �2005, Kathleen Gibson Moonlight Madness with a difference Years ago, I attended a Christmas Moonlight Madness sale at a nearby mall. I came home with an antique oak gate-leg table, which served as our dining table for years. But the high that buying 'stuff' - even on sale - provides, is only temporary. I was duped, I discovered. My table wasn't antique at all. Someone had cleverly assembled and passed it off as the real thing. The only value it has is the memories we've made around it - proof to me that relationship-based memories outlast the value of tangible goods every time. This Christmas do something really 'mad' under the silver light of the moon. Rather than increasing your debt load, shop ardently for memories that will last a lifetime. Here are a few suggestions: *Distribute kindness. Drop notes in other's mailboxes, thanking them for their light display. Or leave small surprise gifts for someone you know needs a lift. *Singles tell me frequently that putting up a Christmas tree is the loneliest of holiday jobs. Gather two or three single friends, and decorate your holiday trees together. Or, if you have a family, offer your services to decorate a senior's tree and put up their outdoor lights. End the evening with a favorite movie and popcorn by the tree. *If you live in the country and have children, begin a Christmas bonfire tradition. Ban the TV and computer for one night and designate it as an annual 'snowball roast'. Use marshmallows, of course, and let your children invite their friends for an old fashioned evening of fun. Include activities like fox and goose, kick the can, snow taffy, skating. *If you live in the city, go caroling. For years our family did this almost every year. The expressions on the faces behind the crack in the door will warm your heart long after Christmas is past. At each home, leave a copy of the Christmas story from Luke 2. *With four or five good friends, plan a Moonlight Madness progressive 'Free Market'. Set a theme, if you wish: Toys, Decorations, Books, Music, etc. In each living room, set up a display of 'giveables'- useable items in nearly new condition that your family no longer wants or needs. Start at one home, and move to each successively, choosing items to keep or share. At the last home, have pizza! *Stay home, put on some music, fix a drink and sit down. Use a reasonable long distance calling card and call your long distance friends and relatives to wish them Merry Christmas, well before the day. *Centuries ago, under a starlit sky, God held his own Moonlight Madness event. Angels and the wail of the newborn Christ announced it. The Christmas meaning millions shop for is found exclusively in the only gift that truly spells Christmas. If you've forgotten that or never experienced it, I urge you to focus on a relationship with Jesus Christ. You'll make memories to outlast all the rest. Respond Home |
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