Cloris, for the past five years or so, I've been such a scrooge during this time of the year. I get so irritated with the pressure to buy, buy, buy... spend, spend, spend.

I've come to the realization that my irritation really comes from the fact that I have spent every nickel I have on gambling and never have money left over to buy even modest gifts for my loved ones....I've used the excuse that Christmas has become so commercialized as my reason not to participate in traditional holiday activities and gift giving.

This year, I probably wont be buying Christmas presents... but I'm going to enjoy the season and give myself and my family one important gift and that is the commitment to stop gambling and start living again!

Here's to a gamble free holiday!

For me in the past it was one of my hardest times to stay strong. I would loose my money then feel I had to "chase my losses" so I would have money for gifts. Which we all know chasing losses just end up in more losses. For me I have to be on guard even more during the holidays. But this year, although, it will be skimpy, it will be one of the best holiday season for me, because it will be gamble free! Stay strong. Peace and Love, Patty

Hi Cloris, for me the Hoildays are very hard. In the pass I would always gamble more and then start chasing my loses. I think I used gambling to escape the stress of the Holidays, and then I would make my life more stressful. I'm trying very hard to stay on top of the urges. I've gone 6 months now gamble free and I intend to stay that way.

Hi Cloris.
Gambling took the fun out of every occasion of any time of the Year. Christmas actually was a sneakier time to have extra money and the lies weren't as bold , after all I 'was out shopping and did not have to tell what I bought which was nonthing and my bank account showed monies gone.? which 'was a normal thing.eh ?=she bought gifts.
Christmas I think is a time of GReat Expectations. The ones I place on Myself and the ONes I allow ''others and the 'Industry to place on me.
It has not been easy after gambling stopped to have what I had in previous years as paying down the debt bit into the spirit of giving. Credit 'was limited.
What I can give Today is ME.
I can make what ever I want for the ''25th. It is only ONe day.. A turkey.. all the trimmings. A gift card to all with what I can afford. The first few years it was only a Beautiful CArd I could 'afford.
I can afford more Today ..but I Found I have learned the Value of 'Giving.
No more Grandiosity of 'Having to have mega gifts for Everybody. Who in the heck said so LOL.. I guess it comes down to what ever you can afford.
Today I know I am not gambling. So it's not about saving my monies for the bet.
The biggest Gift I think is the Gift of Freedom from the Bet 'and ' Just being There . I Like the Christmas season . I like the songs and how ''folks seem to be kinder. For me 'can I 'be this way Every DAy of the Year ?>. ''What a Gift for 'me to Give to all. Amen..
Be well. Remember it's only 1 day. And the sales are on boxing DAy LOL.
Sandra gams5.

Hi Cloris, I agree with all of the posts here. Might I just add that gambling in its hideous, deceitful disguise just takes not only our money, but it also takes away our spirit, our desire to give or receive, our common sense, our goals, our zest for life and of the absolutely beautiful things that GOD intended for each and everyone of us to have and that is each other's support and love. That is really all we need. Peace, love and health to you and your family and to all at daily strength always, not just today, but always......mamabear21

Hi Cloris..
'I read EAstwesters Comments.....and ''just chuckled because 'when I 'was married my fellow was a binge drinker..Holiays sucked as I 'stated in my discussion.
Then 'I seperated and found me a daily drinker .. yes I 'was the 'from frying pan into the fire.
'My point is in reading Eastwesters entry. ''I 'remember saying to the second fellow.. '' WHEN DOES THE PARTY GET OVER''???? any occasion was a time to Celebrate. He did find AA ; but the water under the Bridge had Gremlins Ogres inside of me, had to be addressed in Seperating from him.
'Ironic was : Any day was a time to Gamble when I 'crossed that line. Any Excuse would do and the Holidays just fueled the sneaky me.
I am so much like my former loves , that I thought God played a trick on me with this Addiction to Gambling.(see how an addiction feels dear)..
I got over that. It just taught me to be Humble and Know this Addiction was not a personal pay back by my HIGHER POWER.
'Enjoy the SEason. Re invent it For YOU> .
Give the Gift of Awe to the Kid iNside of YOU>
Be well. (((((((Cloris)))))))))
Sandra gams5.