At the risk of sounding like an old miser — I think we have too much stuff.
— For Christmas this year, my girlfriend bought me a pair of tickets to a concert in Kansas City. We spent the evening eating some (life-changing) Ethiopian food, walking around downtown KC and seeing one of my favorite musicians at the Uptown Theater (shoutout to anyone who listens to Jeff Tweedy).
It’s an experience I’ll remember for a long time, sitting next to Shay in a warm theater, listening to great music and wearing a Santa hat. I wouldn’t trade that memory for the world.
— This year, The Iola Register employees opted out of buying gifts for our Christmas party and instead donated to the Adopt-A-Child program. Instead of doing a gift exchange, we ate an amazing roast, drank and told stories.
— This year, Traci Keagle is running Santa’s Toy Shop. It runs on old toys, toys people are clearing out to make room for new ones. She has thousands of dolls, stuffed animals, and play-things (still in perfect condition), ready to give away.
So, why are we buying new things when we already have so much?
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy opening a present as much as the next guy — especially when it’s something I really want. But, I also value an experience, whether it’s a concert, cooking lessons, a trip or a nice meal.
Recently I’ve been doing my best to de-clutter my life. For every new thing I buy, something else is sent to the Iola Senior Center or to someone else that could use it. Because, Lord knows, I only use half of the things I buy anyway.
Maybe spend some time investing in someone you love, or at least like a lot. Invest an afternoon, a day or even a brief moment to share what you know and love. Take a picture, put it on the wall and see how many more times you bring up that moment than the latest and greatest iPhone, flat-screen TV or Hannah Montana doll (that still exists, right?).
So Merry Christmas, and maybe try thinking outside the box this year. I’m telling you, it works. The music is still ringing in my ears.
— Steven Schwartz
