The question of the season seems to be “What do I need?”  I have chosen to change that to “What do I want?” 

 

If you are my age as many of you are or close to it, if you are in the retirement stage and if you are living with one of your family members and if you are still mobile then really consider changing this question.  It can pertain to you and it can pertain to your family and friends.

 

Let’s consider the gift giving aspect whether it is Christmas, birthdays, or whatever else occasion you want to celebrate.  If you were to answer the need question you might say well, I need a package of Depends or I need a pair of compression socks or I need a can of spot remover for the carpet.  I know by now you are getting the gist of what I am saying.  Well, let’s think about it, insurance or Medicare might pay for Depends or compression socks and your grocery budget will absorb the cost of a can of spot remover.

 

So, having solved that aspect let’s move on to the want situation.  If we are to be honest how many times have we said you really know I do not need anything and no one else I gift “needs” anything.  Since the beginning of time, we have come as gift bearing individuals.  To me this is a way of demonstrating our love and our caring. Until we take our last breath there is always something that we may want.

 

Now we are going to get down to the nitty gritty of the “want.”  You know what I want?  I want gift cards to local restaurants.  Do you know why?  It gives me the opportunity to stay social with my family and friends over lunch, breakfast, or dinner.

 

Would I starve if I did not have these cards? No, but I sure do “want” to do this. How about a pretty night gown?  I have a drawer full, so I do not need one, but I want one to wear on Christmas morning.  I also want creams from Bath and Body.  They make me feel so good.  How about a box of candy?  Do I need it? No, but it is great to share with a visitor.  Let’s get creative here and come up with a list of wants.  Strike that word “need” from your vocabulary.  When asked. Do not be ashamed to say, “I really want a new pair of rosaries.”

 

I truly know that there are still needs that we must address but are you going to ask a neighbor to get you a box of Depends?  Let’s take the time to reassess our giving and receiving patterns and see if it does not make us happier.

 

Now that needs and wants are out of the way I want you and your family to approach the New Year knowing your needs will be fulfilled and it is okay to want a Happy New Year.

 

Take care, stay healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”