So this is Christmas, and what have you done?

This time of year radio stations trot out the John Lennon classic, “Happy Christmas” whose first line is “so this is Christmas, and what have you done?” Every time I hear this song I feel as if Lennon is talking directly to me and I find myself a bit guilt ridden and in need of some serious charity.
Being a new mom, toy drives are my newfound charitable cause. I never cared two hoots about them — until now. Not because I’m the Grinch, but because there were other causes I held dear pre-child. While I still value those causes, having a tiny baby makes my heart ache in ways it never did before. Welcome to motherhood.
The thought of a parent not being able to afford toys for a child is more than I can bear. I picture myself in that position and wonder what on earth I would do. So this year I purchased some toys for a big national drive. I have a rule when it comes to gift giving: I refuse to buy anything that I would not want or appreciate if I were in the recipient’s shoes. So this means no crappy thoughtless Dollar Store toys for starters.
The drive I donated to will remain nameless because I am not endorsing any particular causes. In my book all toy drives are worthwhile. So whether it’s a toy drive or some other charitable cause, tis the season to open your wallets and hearts.