I'm Just a Girl in the World...: Oh Christmas Shopping...

...how I love to hate thee. Every year I set a budget, every year I go over budget and this year was no different. It's not a big deal for my finances but I tend to give myself a good kick in the face when all is said and done. That being said, I'm never in debt after the holidays so at least there's that.

Finances aside, we really need to talk about how we spend our money and who we spend it on. Just kidding, we really don't. If somebody wants to give all of their money to the local SPCA, let them. If another person wants to spend $800.00 on one child, who are we to bitch? If someone can only afford treasures from the local thrift shop, try a little empathy and imagine yourself in that person's shoes. I know couples that do not buy gifts for one another and choose to focus on the kids, I know other couples that go all out for everybody in their lives. There's no right answer here people; you do what is best for your own family and shut the fuck up about everybody else's.

You may or may not be wondering what prompted me to write about this particular topic. As you know I'm fairly active on social media and tend to be bombarded with memes, news links, inspirational quotes, etc.. I tend to get into some heated debates on particular topics and am very passionate about my side of any argument. I was asked about buying presents for certain people in my life and explained why I buy for some and not others. I was then bombarded with reasons why I should buy for the people I don't and why those particular people deserve gifts and recognition more than the people I do buy for. Why is this any of anybody's fucking business? My bank account is mine, my heart is mine, and I'll give gifts to whomever I damn well choose. I have perfectly valid reasons for choosing the recipients of my gifts and you have yours. We're both right, we're both giving, we just choose to do it differently.

I've also come across memes and stories stating that all parents should be frugal in their "Santa" gift giving because not all families can afford a brand new Xbox One or $400.00 shoes. The reasoning behind this is that kids will start to question the validity of Santa Claus and his approach to fairness. I'm calling bullshit on this one. My parents never went crazy with the Santa presents, while I had friends who's parents spoiled them rotten in the name of Santa. Not once did I question that. Not once did I think Santa must love Jill more than me because she got a Barbie Dream House and I got a doll. In fact, I'm not even sure if that's a true scenario, that's how much damage it didn't do (Jill is a real person and we were friends for the better part of elementary school. I WAS jealous of the Jolt Cola in her lunchbox though)

So next time you find yourself telling others how to spend their money, fuck right off OK? It's none of your business, especially if it doesn't affect your life. Christmas is a time for giving, whether that be your time or some gifts, it doesn't matter, as long as it comes from your heart.