It’s a frenzy right now. Advertisers are competing for your dollar, America needs you to spend money so our economy can grow, businesses can be rich and so we are bombarded with ads pressuring you to make every person happy by buying them the perfect gift.

Hogwash. Don’t fall for it.

I was recently in Mexico and did not see one commercial for buying anything for Christmas. Evidently, there is not an emphasis on presents. When I was on an American channel I saw commercial after commercial with happy children ecstatic at what their dreams coming true.

Hogwash again.

Childrens’ dreams are not made by the right gift, they are made by loving relationships. How will that play out for you this holiday season? Where is the focus? How can you shop local and at the little guy’s store?  How can you bring what you love and value to your holidays?