Christmas Pledge 2018

Even though this excerpt was first published in 1911, it’s words are still relevant today in 2018:

“Do’s and Don’ts for Christmas” Pledge

Do, if you can keep it, sign this pledge. It was circulated by some enthusiastic young reformer and called “Yours for a courageous, sincere, and Christly Christmas” –

I will give no gift which I cannot afford.

I will give no gift which has not love behind it.

I will give some gifts which shall not be exchange gifts at all but genuine generosity to someone to whom it will mean very much.

Don’t do up a parcel in such poor wrapping paper or in such a flimsy manner that the wrapper may easily be torn and separated from the contents.

Don’t fail to put your name and address, preceded by the word “from”, on the upper left-hand corner of every piece of mail.

Don’t forget to mail parcels early.

Don’t say that you expect nothing. You know that would not be so.

Don’t sigh for a baby grand piano if a barrel of flour would do you more good.

Don’t forget, if you are going to play Santa Claus, that cotton is not as innocent as it looks.

Don’t go around complaining that the true spirit of Christmas has departed. That is not the way to bring it back.

Don’t forget you were a child once yourself.

Don’t give simply for the purpose of showing that you can afford to do so.

Don’t value the gift by the amount of its cost.

Don’t put aside until tomorrow the good cheer you may spread today.