Forum Topic

My sensible sister

My younger sister(like me, a septuargenarian), phoned me yesterday, saying that this year, she had decided not to send Christmas cards and presents to anyone. She wanted me to tell the rest of the family and friends this news, as she didn't want people to think she's died or fallen out with anyone. Instead, she said, she was going to send a cheque to Barnardos Homes – money she would have spent on cards and pressies – a whopping sum of £500 !I'm blessed with a very sensible and generous younger sister.  ;-) 

Gerry Tan ● 6865d9 Comments

That's a great idea Gerry. Who needs more socks and pants anyway?! Barnardos is a great charity to support. We have one of their collection boxes in the restaurant and from all the lose change from customers and staff we raise over a hundred pounds each year. Tell your sister to have a nice Christmas.

David Archer ● 6865d

Very sensible Gerry. Maybe when you have Grandchildren that are young then they could be the exception.However if the Family are all grown up then it might set a president so everyone did something like that. Mind you if that idea caught on universally it would kill the commercial side of Christmas stone dead. Well it might not be a bad idea if that was reigned in a bit anyway.

Colin Vaughan ● 6865d

The sub-editor in me can't help but say "precedent" and "reined in" before going on to the substantive point.We've had a non-present pact for adults for several years now: only the under 16 or 18 (according to their preference) get presents. The rest get good gifts of various sorts: I've given a donkey, donkey plough and lots of chocolate plantations this year and been given a child's smile (hare-lip surgery) a goat and a donaton to Tadworth childrens' hospital. The only exception - or addition - seems to be chutneys and jams made by the donor - which are always fab.Decreases the clutter and waste and work and increases the spirit we find.

Sara Nathan ● 6865d

I find that these alternative presents also give a lot of pleasure in the discussion that accompanies them.  I gave my sister and my son who share the same birthday a pair of goats one year (both Capricorn)from one of these schemes.  It is a welcome change from the gottahaveit-grabit-and-go that goes on only for whatever was desperately needed to have all interest lost in it so shortly afterwards.I think that the best present you can give a child is your time. We do all have it despite what we say: we just don't always use it as well as we could.

Philippa Bond ● 6865d

My Sensible Sister. Would make a great title for a sitcom. Starring Hannah Gordon and Martin Clunes?

David Archer ● 6864d

It's a good thing you're still sending cards Gerry, and can pass on the news about your sisters decision!

Jane Salisbury ● 6864d

Sometimes you only correspond with people once a year - then I like to send a card.  For people I see regularly or phone regularly I just don't see the point.We've just finished sorting out some vouchers for a friend as a more actively useful present (vouchers that can be used to pay for a live music concert or show). If we all want to meet up we will now be able to do so.

Philippa Bond ● 6864d

I don't object to the presents that Oxfam and the like have to offer whereby you buy means of survival for someone in the third world but I did find this article very interesting nonetheless.http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/4180/

Kirsty Murdoch ● 6860d

Aren't Spiked promoting a film at the moment?  Does cynicism like this encourage us to once again buy high technology for the Third World where so many multi-million high tech projects have failed due to lack of high tech maintenance ...no because only governments can do that....or create indecision and apathy so those who would have gained something more useful and constructive - gain nothing.

Philippa Bond ● 6860d