wish lists

If your family is anything like mine you have relatives asking for Christmas wish lists right about now and you're thinking, "What about Thanksgiving?" Maybe in this economy, stores are trying to boost sales, but it seems Christmas has come really early this year.

My family draws names. Everyone buys a gift for one person. About $25.

The holidays can be stressful. Money is tight, expectations are high, and everyone's trying to sustain the jolliness for a month and a half. These are tense times we're living in, and the holidays tend to exacerbate tension.

Well, I'm here to help.

For those of you being badgered by family members with, "What do you want for Christmas?" I have answers. Not only does this mean one less thing for you to think about, one less list to compile, I have good answers.

Good answers means the things I am putting on your wish list will serve you well, be a positive and relaxing shopping experience for your loved ones, and fit within a modest budget. Everybody wins.

I submit to you, your Christmas Wish List '08:

1. Baby chicks.
2. Fruit trees.
3. School supplies.
4. Ducks.
5. Seeds.
6. Basketballs.
7. Hope.
8. Job training.
9. Mosquito nets.

Any of these gifts will serve you well by driving a wedge between your heart and the consumerism that's trying to choke it to death. They are all pleasant shopping experiences for your loved ones because they can be taken care of from the comfort of their own homes, or nearest wireless providing cafes. And they're all $30 or less!

Merry Christmas!