Think about it! Some behave like headless chickens when it comes to buying buying bying..it is insane. Especially at this time of the year where so much attention is put on getting that perfect gift, making the other significant others “happy” as if it is a measuring stick that the bigger and the more you spent on the present the more you love those people.

I can admit, I love making presents and I love giving and I have been part of Christmas rally of giving endless presents at a record time. Imagine: if you calculate an evening of let’s say 8 adults + 2 kids each giving a present to each and sometimes more to the kids (8*10=80 presents) 80 presents need to be distributed after a 4 hours’ meal – for each present you have 2-3 minutes to find, open, admire, thank and hug the giver and start from the beginning…Do you get the picture?

As an adult, most likely you can deal with it and still it is quite overwhelming and tiresome, but think about the kids involved: totally bombarded with presents and once they get excited for a present and start playing another one is rushed into their hands and suddenly you see this little kid who is so overwhelmed that starts running around and turning into a game the opening of the presents without even noticing what is inside. Tearing the wrapping paper the fastest turns into the night’ competition with the other sibling and the struggle goes on until the last present is devoured open. Funny and sad, right?

What are we actually doing to this generation? What are we doing to ourselves and the values of Christmas? How is bombarding every one with so many presents in such a record time make us come closer together as family and friends? What traditions are we passing by to the future generations? What values are we transmitting? Oh auntie loves you more as she got you the best and biggest present this year 😉 Yeah, right!!!

In these times of celebrations, I urge you to re-evaluate your priorities and your values – spend time with those that matter; show your love and appreciation in significant ways and not simply expensive gifts; make an effort to be present and enjoy the cosiness of the family/friends time. And make each day count and create memories together!