To say the life of a full-time mom is pretty hectic would be putting it mildly. 24/7 moms are household CEOs, without the supporting administrative staff. What little time is had in between parental working hours is filled with carrying out basic human needs, such as sleeping and eating (though these activities, too, are often done while draped in offspring). So, as each year comes to a close with a seemingly never-ending list of celebrations, tensions start to run a bit higher. There’s Halloween to get through, selecting the best costume, buying enough candy, scarifying the house (not to mention butchering pumpkins until they seem decent enough jack o’ lanterns to adorn the porch); then there’s Thanksgiving, with even more onus placed of food preparation (let alone the somewhat emotional mess that ensues from collecting one’s extended family around the table together for turkey and apparently still-simmering history); and then, finally, there’s Christmas.
Gift Giving Today
These days, Christmas is far from identical in each household, as moms throughout the country start preparing at different times, not to mention the outlook on gift-giving – indeed, many people simply aren’t anymore, deeming their children provided for enough, i.e. spoiled, during the year. This isn’t just struggling families, it includes celebrities too. Further, as wonderful a celebration as Christmas is, replete in Christian tradition and more modern trimmings collated as time has passed, it is also grossly overmarketed. When you can buy ornaments for the tree before you’ve taken the kids trick-or-treating, and when you overhear little ones comparing quantity rather than quality of presents, it has to be admitted that something’s a little amiss.
A Stellar Surprise
Nevertheless, there is something heartwarming about shopping for loved ones. Whose soul isn’t warmed by finding just the right item for husband, son, or father? To this end, instead of falling back on colognes, golf shirts or, at worst, socks, why not instead opt to buy a star with Star Registration? A cosmic purchase that can be enjoyed by looking at the night sky – who wouldn’t love to know that that shining orb above bears their name? Of course, buying into the universe encompasses all genders and ages. That twinkle of fairy lights on the tree might be alluring on Christmas Eve, but come Christmas night you’ll all head outside to witness a sparkling gift in space.
A New Unique
Nonetheless, if you’re seeking something a bit more tangible and terrestrial, perhaps a donation to a charitable cause close to the recipient’s heart would make an apt alternative. Adoption (that is to say, funding) of wild animals, most times endangered or nearing extinction, has been around for some time and would prove popular with younger children (as well as fervent animal lovers). Meanwhile, older kids and grown-ups might perhaps prefer a meaningful philanthropic contribution to causes pertaining to Syria or Myanmar.
After all, Christmas isn’t about tearing into beautifully wrapped presents. It’s about celebrating the charity and love, and that sentiment should soar to the skies.