It’s The Most Stressful Time of the Year!

I watch Breakfast Television every weekday morning and today, Tracy was out in front of Union Station asking people how they are “coping” with the stress of the upcoming holiday season. This topic always comes up in December and makes me laugh. I thought it was supposed to be “the most wonderful time of year”?

I can hear it in people’s voices in the office when they’re talking about the gifts they have to (1) find (2) buy and (3) eventually pay for. Rob commented that once Xmas is over, their stress continues in anticipation of the delivery of their credit card bills. I don’t understand why people allow themselves to be forced into meaningless consumer relationships that thrive on personal debt.

I gave up Xmas a long time ago. I don't buy gifts and I don't accept gifts. I donate money to charity (this year's charity is "Give A Day's Pay to AIDS"). And in response to people’s queries about whether I’m ready for Xmas, I simply say: “I don’t do Xmas.”

I am boycotting the firm's Xmas party and all luncheons. I am staying away from the malls until 2008. I'm hopping on a plane to Mexico on December 25. I'm through with all the marketing BULLSHIT that tells us we have “do” certain things on certain days of the year.

Cherish your friends and family year round. Give gifts when you feel like it. Send cards when someone needs a lift. Pick your own heroes. Don't get sucked in by the idiot box and the media's false worship of wafer-thin socialites who serve no useful purpose in life other than to make headlines.

Enjoy a stress-free holiday by spreading the good cheer over all 365 days, not just one.