Confession

This time of year is hard for me. I suspect that I am not alone in this…

Balancing family, Christmas parties, open houses, the expense and the expectation is a juggling act in the simplest terms. Simple only on the outside.

Why is it we are in the consumer rush? A competition. Who in their right mind buys someone an Ipod for Christmas? Or a new car? Yes, a car. I heard an advertisement for Mercedes that made that suggestion. So not just any car, nope. A luxury car. Perhaps it’s this consumer who will buy their daughter an Ipod. Who knows.

In Canada, the average person spends $1300.00 on gifts. Most people are living on credit. And here is this season, based on the celebration of faith and love, marketed to get as much cash (that we don’t have) out of our pockets in the quickest time. It’s all a big machine.

Being a mother, I want to provide my sons with the latest gadgetry. The best toys, the matching outfits. But to what end? It’s my belief that this holiday is not about the gifts, but about the feeling it evokes. My boys will not remember the Spiderman figure they got in their stocking… but the laughter and the traditions that I will pass on to them as my mother did to me. They will remember Christmas as sugar cookies and making the gingerbread house. They will remember Christmas as a time shared with loved ones. Sure, they may not appreciate it now, but as they grow older and have their own families, I hope that they can evoke the same magic.

I refused to use credit this Christmas. And I have not. Instead of throwing money at the season, I have put thought into my gifts. Dug a little deeper. I made wonderful wind chimes comprised of my travels this year. Silver spoons from Ottawa, shells from Galiano, stones from Cache Creek and glass beads from my Birthday trip. When I have shopped, it’s been with purpose. Little things that show that I have been paying attention all year, not just for the weeks leading up to Christmas. It’s not that difficult. And I am sending out tins of my famous Molasses Ginger cookies that you can’t just have one of. That way, if you have a complaint, your mouth will be full. And we all know it’s rude to talk with a full mouth.



G.