Quote:
Originally posted by jinx
"Sometimes by receiving, we give. A Buddhist should never refuse the honest generosity of another. When we gladly receive a gift from another, we accept their friendship and we give them an opportunity to practice generosity and
gain the merits that accrue from that. Sometimes it "costs" us more to receive than to give! But that is the way it is. Compassion always is able to see above the minor confusions of values exchanged or debts incurred."
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Wow! I thought Catholicism had the corner on guilt. I know most of the problem resides in me. Christmas was a religious holiday in my Mothers house. We exchanged a few gifts, visited the relatives and called it a day. When I got married, I inheirited a whole new group of attitudes which 13 years come Monday have yet to allay. Petes family works at least as hard driving Christ out of Christmas as my folks work keeping that focus, since her Mom and step Dad were raised in conservative christian homes which felt oppresive.
They've met me part way in that my kids now get to have Christmas morning at home. The 4 to 5 hours (not an exageration) of unwrapping presents while gritting my teeth didn't happen this year as the his kids kids/ her kids kids modern family has spread around the globe. The extended family Bachaan Christmas had been supplemented, although it was going to be supplanted, by a week with an even more extended family in the Adirondacs. Either way or both my mother-in-law is spending what should be her retirement funds on throw away gifts instead of just giving her time. None of which explains the depth of the my stress. Pete's Dad's new wife actually released a suggestion list of gifts which we worked with. He is a tight wad and we get along very well this time of year. :)
I'm not talking about dodads when I say crap btw. Bruces things all seem to have some kind of sentimental, aestetic, or historical value which would make them worth tripping over.
Edit Griff used Petes Sign on and apologises for ranting on her dime!