Less than three weeks until Christmas, and while it is fun to anticipate and plan for the holidays, there are a few pre-holiday “happenings” I would happily forgo:
-5 a.m. store openings and “door buster” specials. These must appeal to people who value acquisitiveness over tradition, and for whom saving on a new television, Kindle or iPhone is more important than quality time with friends and family. Perhaps, instead of an orgy of spending to celebrate what is essentially a religious holiday, more of us might consider “alternative giving” in which the giver makes a donation to a charitable organization in the recipient’s name, an idea originated by none other than Benjamin Franklin.
-Wrapping paper and gift cards that arrive unsolicited in the mail. This year, I have promised myself that I will not allow feelings of guilt over stuff I didn’t ask for and won’t use to dictate the donations I decide to make.
-Announcements from your “friendly” bank or credit card company advising you by way of 10 sheets of tissue thin paper covered with microscopic legal pronouncements that in the coming year, they are making changes in their accounting or credit policies to which, after consulting an attorney to decipher, you may consent to agree or disagree.
-Store coupons and free shipping offers that arrive in catalogs that have expired before the postman delivers them.
-Christmas songs on the radio, television, in department stores, malls and supermarkets, which start being played before I’ve even finished eating the Thanksgiving leftovers. At the risk of sounding like Mrs. Scrooge, by the time Christmas arrives, I want to throw eggnog at anyone singing, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”
-The overuse of words like “Wow” and “Must Haves” in advertising supplements. As a former advertising copywriter, I know there are better descriptive words.
-E-mail greetings. The Internet and e-mail is certainly a useful tool, but if you are sending holiday or other occasion greetings, take the time to send a letter or a card or make a telephone call. While anything less may save you time, it makes this recipient feel as though you don’t really care. Ditto for the rarely heard from friend or relative who every year makes a courtesy call and proclaims, “We must get together after the holidays.” If you really want to see me, suggest a definite date — I’ll make every effort to arrange to meet you.
Statistical Reasons to simplify the holiday season
1. The average household in the U.S. spends about $1,700 on Christmas.
2. The average weight gain over the holidays is about 1 pound, which is not lost over the rest of the year. Thus, 10 years equals 10 additional pounds.
3. A recent survey concluded that shopping caused headaches in nearly a quarter of the people questioned and sleeplessness in 11 percent.
4. Americans throw away 25 percent more trash during the holidays than at other times of the year.
5. Holidays are a time of elevated risk for fires and alcohol-related traffic accidents.
Let’s all make every effort to have a sane, safe and meaningful holiday.
Contact Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
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