Christmas expenses

[hdroadglide]

we planned on a lean christmas this year anyway. but my one and only daughter announced she's getting married in may so any extra income will be socked away for that. our harley group is collecting for a boys home here locally that has had little to no donations the last half of the year, so we'll be doing what we can for them.

 

[dpricenator]

The wife shops for X-mas all year long. We were 90 % done before Halloween. Now it's just a couple last minute things.

NJ..we've bought chickens an goats for the last few years. Great feeling knowing you are giving the gift that gives for a years. The animals we've purchased are giving to women in Africa who have lost their husbands due to the conflicts there and have no other way to earn money. the goats and chickens provide milk and eggs they can eat or sell for income. I'm sorry to say I won't be sending anything this year.

 

[uncelnino]

We're giving most of our money to fight poverty, as usual. This year we're giving through World Vision. They have this cool thing set up where you can buy, say, a chicken for a poor family somewhere in the world. And when you donate for that, World Vision sends a little plush baby chick to the person of your choosing. So we're going to give in the names of the niece/nephew/godchildren and they still get a little toy to play with. It's pretty cool. Then every time they play with their little chicken or goat toy, their parents can tell them that they helped a poor child somewhere else in the world.

Then for our main gift to each other the wife and I are giving an entire farm to a village in Africa.

Our personal dream is that some day we can open up a series of medical clinics, orphanages, and churches that we help to staff and train.

Awesome aspiration and gift ideas njstone. Bravo

 

[Wigwam_Motel]

I have been sitting around and reading this thread for a minute now and I have tons of mixed issues. I have some understanding in the field of taxation and I understand that group or organizations must spending only roughly 10 to 15% of donations on "the cause" the rest of the money they can just keep within the organization. Giving DIRECTLY insures 100%, but you fall into not getting that tax break your looking for. Correct me if I am wrong.

Second, yes this is the time of giving, but THIS SHOULDN'T be your only time to be in the giving mood, if its family, friends or even someone you have never met. As our organization and club here, we "bomb" each other in great spirits throughout the year, which is almost better than a "set date".

I can not recall the time I have given a person a X-mas gift. I can recall on numerous times, throughout the year, I have given without a blink of an eye.

The Holiday times are for gather of our love ones, and these people are meaningful. Since the entire year is usually busy. Be thankful for the people that are in your life on a daily basis, if good or bad.

I have lost many close love ones at a very young age and having the current people around me, I never take them for granted.

Happy Holidays

Kumar Patel.

 

[CWS]

Christmas has alway been a time of giving a little extra. Watching the budget is an excellent idea. I too have never given an Xmas present :santa:. I have given many Christmas presents throughout the years to celebrate the reason for the holiday. :angel:

 

[rabbgp]

Christmas has alway been a time of giving a little extra. Watching the budget is an excellent idea. I too have never given an Xmas present :santa:. I have given many Christmas presents throughout the years to celebrate the reason for the holiday. :angel:

Nice. And I would agree!

 

[Craig Mac]

I have been sitting around and reading this thread for a minute now and I have tons of mixed issues. I have some understanding in the field of taxation and I understand that group or organizations must spending only roughly 10 to 15% of donations on "the cause" the rest of the money they can just keep within the organization. Giving DIRECTLY insures 100%, but you fall into not getting that tax break your looking for. Correct me if I am wrong.

Second, yes this is the time of giving, but THIS SHOULDN'T be your only time to be in the giving mood, if its family, friends or even someone you have never met. As our organization and club here, we "bomb" each other in great spirits throughout the year, which is almost better than a "set date".

I can not recall the time I have given a person a X-mas gift. I can recall on numerous times, throughout the year, I have given without a blink of an eye.

The Holiday times are for gather of our love ones, and these people are meaningful. Since the entire year is usually busy. Be thankful for the people that are in your life on a daily basis, if good or bad.

I have lost many close love ones at a very young age and having the current people around me, I never take them for granted.

Happy Holidays

Kumar Patel.

Maybe in a few months you'll realize what a great group of brothers this is and that they care about each other year round, and not just by "bombing" each other either every now and then. I haven't been here much longer than you but I have been overwhelmed by the group here. Sending each other love when things go astray, taking the time to show they are concerned with someones health, family, and well being. The charity here goes far beyond sending a guy a couple smokes. Reading the 9-11 thread this year brought me to tears when people shared their feelings about their fellow man.

I am not trying to bust your balls here bro, but I think most of the people here "get it". I have seen members open up there homes to people affected by tragedy, kind words when needed and many other things. The giving spirit is year round here. We all have lost loved ones, and my impression is that most everyone here is thankful and grateful for all they have and charish. I apologize if this seems harsh but I tell it like I see it.

 

[jwintosh]

Well, I just spent quite an ammount of bread on about half the christmas presents from this year (I mean, I did contemplate them since a while ago and haven't gotten to even half the budget I assigned meself; but still...all that money, gone so fast... :frownno. So, how's everybody holding up?

i haven't started shopping yet! my daugther wants a puppy... uh, no.

oops! sorry to threadjack :smokingbo