Fall Cleaning

Instead of spring cleaning, we're fall-cleaning. Basically, this time of year is a good time of year to get rid of things, especially when you put the mind of donating things that are still good but which we no longer use. I have challenged the kids to reduce their toys by one-quarter, and to see how big a pile of clothes they can make . . . all to give to other kids who aren't able to afford the toys and clothes that they have.

Also, this puts us in great stead for Christmas, and in fact it is probably the Christmas season that puts me in this typpe of giving mode. This is truly the "Spirit" of Christmas - the Holy Spirit, which is Christ working in us and through us to acheive truly Christlike moments: those of pure selflessness and compassion.

So, I send the challenge to everybody: take your stuff, reduce by 1/4 - give away to the needy.


and, everything that you get done before the end of the year can be taken off your taxes. And here's a secret that people don't ever seem to understand: you get MORE $$ from tax deductions than you ever get from just selling straight out at a garage sale. And lessening the amount that you owe to Uncle Sam (or getting more moolah back) is something that both Dems AND Repubs can agree on . . . n'est pas?

VG