'Tis the season for turkeys, toys....and taxes.  Once all the celebrating/joy-to-the-world is behind you, it's time to switch focus from Father Christmas to Uncle Sam.  And who is this Uncle Sam that is always wanting money anyway?  Is he truly a metaphor for an irritating relative that is always in trouble and asking for money, or is he more like the insurance provider you pay into each month diligently, but hope to never use?
 
Before I write my checks for this year's federal tax return, state tax return and property tax, I am going to challenge myself to focus on the bright--well, perhaps dimly lit--side of tax payments.  Concentrate on what our tax dollars provide that I feel are a bargain for the trade.
 
First, if I really did not have to write a check, would I have anything tangible to show for it?  Would I have religiously saved the money each month, and have a pile now to show for it?  Or is this simply a reminder for what saving a little each month can truly add up to be by the end of the year?
 
I am also reminded of all the services we are provided for our mere tax payments:  The time I had to call 911, the fantastic new school my kids attend, simple pleasures like paved roads and mosquito control, unemployment benefits for friends and family that have recently lost their jobs, and military protection from those who want to take it all away.  And then there are the freedoms I am guilty of taking for granted from religious freedom to knowing we can grow-up to be anything we want.
 
It is impossible to make our tax system fair to everyone.  It is trite but true that life and taxes are not fair.  But just like life, there are up sides and down sides.  It's all in how you choose to focus your energy. We have the luxury of voting and writing our congressman, if we are motivated to go beyond complaining and actually apply action.  We all have some power to control our taxes; be it donating to our favorite charity instead of having the government choose for us, or home ownership mortgage interest deductions (if you are a renter you still pay property taxes indirectly).
 
Yes, when I write my check this April 15th (of course I am not going to give it up a minute early) I will be mentally ready. I am grateful for everything I have, and will keep those fantastic 30-paged tax return badge of courage and accompanying documentation for 7-years as recommend by my long lost friend Uncle Sam.