The table is cleared except for the fancy placemats. The dishes are stacked precariously high on the drying rack, The counters are wiped down and tomorrow morning’s coffee is set to brew at 6:45 am. A curtain of contentment is closing down the house. Someone is snoring in front of the droning TV; someone is investgating a new toy; another is plotting which outfits will be worn in what order. Another holiday is in the books.
It often starts with the cutting of the tree.
There are lights and decorations. And there is shopping for the lights that have died and the decorations that need refreshing. And then there is food planning and gift lists. To which we get back to more shopping in the mega grocery stores and the funky coops. On it goes around and around for three weeks or so. Hits and misses on where to go for what. A tally of presents reveals that one has more than the other which is a serious violation of the holiday fairness rule. So back out to the stores you go.
Some will try to convince you that cash is better than a gift. I’m not against cash. Lots of people will greatfully accept a Christmas check. It’s just not the same. You can’t socially leverage cash, it’s just currency. If you give someone cash they still won’t pay the money for the thing they really want yet feel it’s a bit too much. Cash won’t pay for the lost opportunity that a gift giver had at an antique shop when they spotted the last piece of china that would make a complete set.
With a little effort and a lot of listening, a gift giver can easily provide a value over and above cash. Which leads to a very peaceful end close to the holiday where everyone in the house feels a little bit richer.
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