It’s around this time of year when the cross-eyed, toothy monster known as “Christmas Shopping” knocks on the door of our sanity and my hair goes white like Santa Claus’ beard, because, what do you get? What should you buy for you mom, dad, sibling, significant other, neighbour, or barista? And how do you buy something meaningful without going bankrupt? I know what they tell us.
“Oh, you don’t need to get me anything,” or “It’s the thought that counts.”
But, let’s be honest, if you don’t get anything there will be looks aimed your way, and in your 20’s a homemade macaroni picture won’t be enough. Having limited resources and ideas usually lands the results on socks, soaps, and wine bottles with pretty labels and not so drinkable content. When you think about it, you should be happy getting gifts for your loved ones — but are you? The Christmas season is filled with nervous breakdowns from decorating your house and finally, holding a tight lip during dinner, trying not to flip the table while being roasted by distant relatives who suddenly became experts on your life. I would much rather celebrate the original way, when pagans gave their thanks to the returning sun. It just sounds less stressful.
