Every year, Christmas seems to creep up on me. Within a glimmer of a second we go from cutting the Thanksgiving turkey to watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” on NBC. But alas, the 25th is TWO days away and that means one thing…time to get gifts, right?
As a kid I loved the winter holiday season. Growing up in Florida we didn’t get snow, but the feeling of the cool 60 degree weather was a reminder of the time of year. We’d pull out the old colored lights to line the house with, make cookies and caramels for the neighbors, and decorate every available space with wreaths and bows.
Somehow within my “Cosby Show” home presents were a definite plus, but they weren’t the outstanding incentive of the holiday. Actually, my favorite part was seeing my family and friends all at once.
As I got older it became apparent that in order to receive you had to give. Thus the pressure of the holiday season began. I remember thinking in college that the holiday season was too stressful. I hate to say it but there were even moments when I loathed the approaching season, knowing I’d have to break my non-existent reserve of money to buy gifts along with the dealing with the stress of final exams.
This year, I’m proud to say I fret less. Along with the supporting message of the Advent Conspiracy, the recession has taught me to appreciate the tangible and bless others with things even money can’t buy.
So instead of giving expensive gifts, I’m giving my time. And finally, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas again
—-
Danielle Kwateng is a faithful journalist who has written for Upscale Magazine, The Root and Black America Web. She lives in NYC and her blog, “The Lush Life”, explores the trails, tribulations and utter craziness of being a young black socialite with a moral conscious.
