Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Stuff-free holidays

Holiday gift giving is a pet peeve of mine. People have way too much "stuff" - useful stuff, useless stuff, stuff to create an entire island in case we lose Florida due to climate change (I learnt this is the correct scientific term for global warming). During the holidays, it is important to realize that it is okay to not give/receive gifts, especially considering these hard economic times. Just say no.

http://www.grist.org/advice/how/2008/12/09/index.html
http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/11/20/say-no/

After all, isn't it better to relax, and spend time with friends and family than to run around like crazy from store to store, mall to mall, buying and returning stuff?

I know I sound like the grinch, but I hate the holiday season. I hate the fact that it gets dark so early. I hate the excess eating and drinking. I hate the excess consumerism. I hate the fact that people are so stressed out... I hate the fact that people drive like maniacs in parking lots.... okay, let me stop there before I get a pie thrown in my face. Let me end on a positive note.. I love the fact that this is the time of the year to reach out to friends that we normally lose touch with through the year... And who doesn't love the days off from work? And finally, I do have a soft spot for holiday lighting eventhough it is energy-wasteful.

I hope V will write an article about saving prudently for the future and what learnings we should keep past this economic downturn. He is good at pragmatic stuff like that, unlike me, who gets riled up over things.

1 comment:

A Virtual Vegetarian said...

I kinda feel the same way....my better half seems like yours.... and you like me(?) the getting riled up part!

...here's wishing you a spectacular 2009 and a promise to post the Koshari recipe soon ;-)