Spend Time, Not Money
1:17PM, November 04, 2006 - [ Permalink]
The "Christmas Spirit" has been rearing its ugly head in Ottawa since early October - at least in the Rideau Centre, which annoys me endlessly. I can remember when the decorations would go up after Remembrance Day, but each year they have been getting put up earlier and earlier to encourage people to get into the holiday buying spirit.
This enormous marketing engine that is Christmas is just plain wrong. You don't need to spend money to tell people that you care about them.
I have over the years realized that these days, if someone wants something, they will go out and get it. Anything we can't afford, no one is going to get it for you for Christmas - I'm fairly sure no one would buy me a top of the line MacPro for example.
Tracey and I prefer to give money to charities in lieu of giving gifts for that reason. Don't get me wrong - we still give gifts to kids - but for adults, honestly folks, I don't really need anything.
What says "I care" more than a gift? Spending time with me. Time is the most valuable thing we as people can give each other. I am far happier to just see my family and friends and if they give me some gift because they feel some obligation.
Christmas isn't about rushing around, buying up gifts - take that time and spend it with your family and friends. They will likely be happier for it.
I know I would.
