At the Risk of Being A “Cliché Post”…

A family friend of mine just posted the above for their Facebook status.

Here is my response and encouragement to them, as well as all of us today:

I agree, and a saying, albeit most likely cliche, comes to mind:
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
For the Shoemakers (yes all 30+ of us) we no longer give gifts as a large group when we gather for Christmas Eve. Instead we’ve taken to a white elephant mug exchange. Find the most audacious mug you can (in your cupboard, @ the thrift store, et cetera) and bring it!
It was so much fun this evening playing Name That Tune Christmas Edition and seeing who would get the zaniest mug.
All that to say- we are with ya!

There ya have it. The UN-IMPORTANT parts of Christmas will continue until people make the change in THEIR OWN LIVES.

For me- this change has been somewhat forced, but welcomed none-the-less. As some of you may know, recently the decision was made to venture out on my own, and- honestly- I haven’t found much for income. Amie and I decided on the 22nd that we wouldn’t be able to “do Christmas” this year.

On the 23rd my bro-in-law text me and told me to keep the $100 in proceeds from my recent selling of some of his skate decks to Pangaea Boards.

So we will “have Christmas” exchange gifts this year after all. And you know what- this Christmas will have, and has already, meant more than any other.

Merry Christmas!

~NickShoe