Desert Messenger

December 3, 2014 www.DesertMessenger.com 27 by Jane Finley writer * artist * teacher (stretching, exercise, relaxation, meditation) Merry Christmas? ... San Francisco, CA Since my divorce in 1979, I've never known what to do with holi- days, especially Christmas (and then there's Thanksgiving, Mothers' Day, and Valentine's Day, not to mention my birthday). But Christmas has been especially hard for me, except for the past couple of years. You see, I don't consider myself either religious or a consumer. So, the question always was: "What do I do with Christmas?" Here are some of my views: 1. CHRISTMAS CARDS: I stopped sending Christmas cards years ago for many reasons: how to limit the ever-growing list, the cost of postage, whether to send cards to out-of-town friends only or in-town friends too, getting printed cards from people with mailing labels for addresses and only a signature -- no personal message (why bother?), sending a card and not getting one back, getting a card when I haven't sent one, etc. I'm sure you could add to this list. Now if I get a card, I either call the person or write them. I save my re- sponses until Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, or New Year's Day. It gives me something to look for- ward to when I am by myself and need to feel connected. 2. GIFT GIVING: Since I have everything I need or want (and so do most people if they only realized it) I stopped the gift giving/receiving long ago (what Vicki Robin, co-author of the book Your Money or Your Life, calls "the feeding frenzy called Christ- mas"). I was tired of going through the agony of opening presents and pre- tending to like them. I began to dread it. I will never forget the Christmas I spent with people who were very well off, yet the Christmas tree was two-feet high with gifts. I was very uncomfort- able there and vowed never to partici- Traveling with Gypsy Jane pate in the gift-giving activity again. When I made my decision to stop getting/giving gifts, I wrote people notes in November, saying: "Since I have everything I need or want, please buy a Toy for Tots instead of giving me a gift." I think a better idea would be to ask them to make a donation to their favorite charity. Now don't get me wrong. It's not that I never give gifts, but I don't give them according to a schedule perpetuated by business interests. I give gifts when I see some- thing that is absolutely perfect for the person in mind. 3. THE HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS: At a Unitarian Church Service in Valdosta, Georgia, there was a pro- gram on meeting the needs of under- privileged children. People wondered what they could do to make a differ- ence. The problem is so overwhelm- ing at the world, national, state, and even local level. Knowing that change starts with the individual becoming aware of the tremendous difference one person can make. I suggested the church start a fund called something like "The Valdosa Unitarian Church Fund for People in Need." It would be a discretionary fund. Any person or or- ganization could ask for help from the fund, and the executors could decide about contributing and how much. It could be used by the community, as well as Unitarians in need. I suggested everyone send notes to people asking them to contribute to the fund instead of buying gifts for them. 4. THE RELIGIOUS THING: At another Unitarian Church in Macon, Georgia, the minister gave a sermon on Christmas. Afterwards, she asked the congregation to share their feel- ings. This is what I said: "Since I'm not religious, and I'm not a consumer, I've never known what to do with Christ- mas. But during the sermon today, when the minister asked something like 'What can you do to make Christ- mas more meaningful for you?,' I had an epiphany: I realized that I DO be- lieve in the teachings of Jesus. 'That's it,' I thought! 'During the Christmas season, I can focus on the life of Jesus and be joyful: how he treated every- one as an equal, how he accepted the outcast, his nonjudgmental attitude, and his gentle nature. He is the very epitome of peace.'" It was a life-chang- ing moment for me. RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER thank you! Come and join us as we gather together to celebrate the Birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Everyone is welcome to attend this beautiful Interdenominational Worship Service on the Eve of what should be the most important day in history to each of us! Special Rare Appearance By Santa & Mrs. Claus Mr. & Mrs. Santa Clause will have a BIG stuffed special Christmas stocking for each and every child attending. In order for Children to receive a stocking from Santa, parents must call 714-318-0887 or 623-695-3341 no later than 8:00pm Wednesday Dec. 17th. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED SO BRING ALONG YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS GOODIES The Program will feature Lots of Special Music & Christmas Carols! "Let Us Not Forsake The Gathering Of Ourselves Together" God's Little Church In The Desert IN DOWNTOWN BRENDA AT BLACK ROCK RV VILLAGE CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE Wednesday, Dec. 24th at 7:00 pm Craft Fair 1st Sat. of every month! Daily Activities! QIA 928-927-6325 235 E. Ironwood St., Quartzsite BINGO FRIDAY NIGHT Opens at 5pm. Early Birds 6:30pm. Main7pm Concessions Available Nature's Nuggets BUYS & SELLS GOLD Nuggets - Jewelry- coins Call Richard 928-927-5479 • 435-730-3388 In Quartzsite over 15 Years! Gold Sand Concentrates Placer Gold 24 Mesh Size up to Nuggets Quartzsite Licensed Business SEE GYPSY PAGE 31

• Cover