As I was wandering freely, without an urgency, around stores yesterday for fun, I noticed so many little items the stores had strategically placed near the checkouts. I assume the psychology behind it is for people to see those non-essentials and think, "Oh, did I buy enough to show John I love him? Will Mary have as many gifts as Will?" They hope shoppers will buy chotchke to satisfy their guilt complexes.
What will little Mary do with those 50% off silly bands that are no longer popular in school that mom grabbed as she was checking out? They will most likely get thrown in a drawer and sit unused.
If you are out and about today, doing last minute shopping, think about this. Sometimes a card with a heartfelt note to the person means infinitely more than an extra, impulse gift. As a teacher this year, I received lovely gifts. The children give with such delight. Only one came with a note of appreciation from a parent. That really meant a lot to me. In the past, teachers of my children kept notes I'd written for months (they told me) to help perk them up on the discouraging days. I'm guessing the rest of us adults are the same way. I say all this to remember what's important.
This is getting long, but the gift of your time to someone is also more meaningful than a little knick knack. Promise to take him/her to lunch, help him with a project he dreads doing, take the child bowling, to a movie, etc. Simplify gift giving and clutter this year.
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