Holiday 'stuff'

I noticed during the holiday season, we tend to get bogged down with 'stuff'. There's always stuff to do, some stuff to get and some stuff we get into that has holiday bullshit written all over it, because these things don't happen in June.

My question is why.

I haven't been much of a holiday person, and I must say that over the years, I've been scandal, drama and financially free due to not being involved in stuff. Now I do have friends and some family that give me the low down on how much extra work and overtime they have to dedicate in order to get the finances and extra time available to both get stuff and get into stuff, and shortly after getting knee deep in the stuff, I hear the complaints, depressed stories and highlights of a stuff filled holiday season. Once it's all said and done, stuff has taken their spirit, wasted their time and stolen all of their money. Not once do any of them blame themselves for planning, financing and executing their annual holiday stuff extravaganza that goes to hell.

I'm still asking why.

Being that this will be my first foray into the holiday season as an active participant, I got a little advice on how not to get knee deep in the stuff. I survived for years doing some of this stuff and never got bogged down with a case of the 'stuffs' You ready? Here we go:

1. You don't need to work overtime to be able to afford stuff..

Just because there is massive overtime available at the gig, or there is a job at ______ which enables you to get 30% off of... Whatever doesn't mean you work it. Take your time, slow down and enjoy the season. That's what it's here for. There are plenty of celebrations and gatherings to attend. Get some rest and hit the road this end of year. And plus, the best gifts are the ones from the heart. Cordless drills, George Foreman grills, universal remotes and socks come are much more handier than Xbox accessories or Manolo's which can be chewed up by your new puppy. You got a job, live within your means!

2. Take your ass to church/mosque/synagogue, or at least read your holy book...

Remember what this whole holiday thing is about. Try not to get caught up in consumer madness. If crowded malls scare you in July, then stay the hell away in December. There is a reason for all of us that this time has been deemed special. To know why makes this time seem more special for all of us.

3. Try to give time and effort, rather than buying someone off...

Here's a new one... Volunteer. There are many people that once lived a consumer capitalist's life. Some have been battered, some are homeless, some have been affected by drugs, sex or alcohol. Before you drop $399 on the new iPod video, remember that there are some folks that want to be in a warm place and watch a little TV. I'm sure there are shelters, YMCA's and Boys and Girls Clubs as well as hospitals that need an extra hand this year.

4. Go see grandma...

Or an aunt, or an uncle or something. We always tend to forget about our elders this holiday season. Not all of our elders will make it to the family dinner. There are some that have no family and because of age can remember the good times backintheday. Be a smart-ass and go sit with an old schooler this season. Listen, they might learn you something, and you might help take the edge off of what could be a lonely Christmas and New Year.

5. Give more to charity than to your got-a-job ass friends...

You loaned one of em' $500 last April and they ain't paid you back yet. I know they're your friends but... There is a child, or a church, or a movement that needs a few dollars more. A good lunch at a nice spot and a gift certificate is a great gesture for a friend. And plus time well spent is always time well spent. Somebody might buy you a drink.


In other words, take your time, enjoy the season and give of yourself more than your wallet. You can't buy happiness and you can never please people when you haven't pleased yourself first. Get out, party and try to volunteer. I'm telling you, it is so worth it to do the opposite of what corporate America wants you to do.

But that's just me...