To the editor:

As the first days of autumn are upon us, it has once again begun. Hurry and get your desired Christmas gifts now. With the new argument of supply-chain shortages added to the usual din of greedy advertising, the rush to buy even more has taken to the airwaves. 

Let’s all just take a step back, take a deep breath and relax. Before this holiday season, take a good look around the world and see that we are a very fortunate people. Take some time to think of all the things for which you are grateful. 

Today, because of wars, climate catastrophes, corrupt governments, etc., we find a world with more refugees in any time in history since World War II. There is an ever-increasing multitude of people, especially children, who are suffering real hunger or famine. 

So, this holiday season, why not give this a try. Buy a nice gift or toy for those in your family under the age of 18. Take the rest of the money you would have spent and donate it to the wonderful agencies and charities locally and around the world that are trying desperately to meet overwhelming needs. 

I am 79 years old. I have six grown children and six grandchildren. I’m ashamed to admit that I tried this for the very first time last year. I avoided all the pressure and rush of the holiday, and nobody stopped calling or seeing Dad/Gramps because they didn’t get a gift. 

Bill Simons,

Lawrence