Its all about the Family

You can't ignore that Christmas is creeping in again. Every little craggy nook, every mega mall you step into, your heartland shopping plaza, even your neighbourhood vendors are cashing in on the all too familiar commercialism we had for many years associated with the birth of Christ. Look, we are even among the top 5 countries for the best lit street. To me its just lots of fluff and a dream come true for shopaholics and a huge bill for the tax payers.

Some very very serious spending takes place at this time of the year, fat year end bonuses creating snake queues at cashiers, vacation teens working overtime, impatient shoppers waiting to have their gift wrapped are a sure sign that the economy is moving fast and fury. Guilty or doting parents snapping up the latest toys, making sure their children has the latest toy, not to be outdone by the geek next door. Year-end corporate dinners pumping up hotel profits, home parties decked with turkey, hams, log cakes, free pouring wines there's really reasons to be jolly...plain and simple. We want to be happy, even if its just for a while. But be prudent how often you swipe that little piece of plastic.

I love Christmas. For the simple reason that its less of a fuss than Chinese New Year. I am not being the pseudo westerner here but I think as a child, the memories I had, rushing to help mum set up the Christmas tree, to be mum's finest helper. As a child, you are not aware of spatial distribution, so I would have the part of decorating the tree with whispy sliver of cotton wool. I mean how fun can it be to rip open red packets, finding pieces of notes. We didn't understand the value of money, not knowing money could actually multiply if you put in the bank. Christmas comes with spirit of giving and receiving. If you ask me, I prefer to be on the giving end. It nice no doubt to receive a gift but to receive a great gift, I am not too sure, we always console ourselves that its the thought that counts. A great gift at this juncture of my life could be a car, doesn't come with a humble price tag. But a thoughtful gift goes a long way, a bag of coffee beans will send me to 7th heaven simply because you know I can never go by a day without coffee. There's a sense of happiness when you know the person is actually enjoying your gift. I can appreciate how one can succumb to a migraine just thinking what to buy for a loved one. That's why I configured, if you can't get a great gift for someone, don't just get one for the heck of it. I will thank you for not creating another piece of clutter in my home because recycling gift is not my style. I was thankful my family members agreed on a "gifts for children only". It was such a huge burden off, both monetary and psychologically. But today's children are really brats in sheep's clothing. They don't believe in hinting what they want anymore. Under my tree are two big boxes, I can tell you now, inside are 2 nerf guns picked up two weeks ago by my children, beautifully wrapped without an element of surprise. Now they are both absolutely disgusted that Christmas is still a few days away.

And speaking of gift wrapping, if there's one thing I could do after I retire, provided I don't suffer from arthritis, I wouldn't mind manning a gift wrapping counter. Although I know how it makes a huge difference between wrapping your gifts at home and wrapping before countless pairs of impatient gawking eyes. Gift wrapping could be rocket science for some, but don't be a scrooge, buy your own gift wrap paper, take it home, get your wife, girlfriend or mum to help. Women have a knack for such things. We are just better with cutting and pasting.

Its so easy to forget that you don't need to wait till Christmas, Valentine's day or a birthday to get someone a gift. Best when he or she is caught unaware. It does makes the recipient blush that you are thinking about him or her when no one else does. It doesn't have to be anything luxe, the simplest, most meaningful gift you'll ever give will be something given with your heart.

Christmas always conjures a sense of peace and serenity, although missing a fireplace, its always been more of a cosy celebration of the family, emulating the togetherness of the nativity....for me at least.

Gifts, feasting, trimmings are all just a fraction of the spirit of Christmas. Family members coming together to share a simple meal, catching up over mum's dishes, in my case celebrating daddy's birthday as well, to be able to spend yet another Christmas with my family should be the greatest Christmas gift I ever want. Bring on the Christmas cheer.

Joyeux Noël!