December is one of the strangest months of the year. Christmas looms large and expensive on the horizon, every weekend is booked up with end of year get togethers and Christmas parties, and shopping malls are manic. It feels like a long month and there is plenty of time to do everything you need to do, but based on previous experience it always whizzes by.
Looking at everyone around me frantically trying to fit everything in to December leaves my head spinning. Our dining room table was recently covered with all sorts of gifts waiting to be wrapped. One of our flatmates was busy getting ready for a trip this weekend to visit friends before Christmas. The table was covered from end to end with a cacophony of gifts. Taking a closer look at all of them, I wondered if the receivers of the gifts would actually be using these gifts a few months down the line, or even remember who gave them the gift? Sure they are useful, but more often than not they lose their shiny ‘newness’ a few weeks after Christmas and gather dust. More expensive gifts can follow the same route too.
This year I would like to have a “Christmas-lite” theme. Of course I love receiving gifts and enjoy the surprises of unwrapping them. But if I am honest with myself, I lack nothing in my life. I may not have the newest gadgets and gizmos, but if I look at all the things that make life comfortable (a home, a car, clothing, food) and meaningful (my wonderful partner Mike, my family and friends) - I have everything I need.
I would like to enjoy the month for its friendships, family reunions and for the great sense of holiday spirit amongst everyone. I love the laughter shared with people who are close to you, and enjoying precious family time together. This December I look forward to avoiding the shopping malls and the pain of credit card debt. As Coca-Cola says, “live on the light side of life!”
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