It's Christmas Again !!!

by Jeffery A. Keill CFP, CIM, FMA,FCSI

Here I sit scribbling out gift ideas for people in my family, office, and all the others that I intend to surprise with some notion of endearment and friendship. I have three weeks to go! I am ahead of it this year! Everyone’s gift will be amazing. No more novelty mugs this time! Have you been in my shoes?

Christmas. Seems to be a magical time of year for many because their bank account magically disappears. Why? Why do we keep doing this. The problems, pain, and dread. Thinking of some gift for the person who needs nothing and has everything. Once you are armed with the magical list that will somehow add up to much more then you budgeted, you are now faced with the dilemma of store lines or the anxiety of on-line delivery delays. For those who swim against, but not way ahead of the crowd I tip my procrastinating cap to you in the deepest respect and admiration.

If you’ve ever embarked on this grand annual tradition, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s a journey filled with chaos, caffeine, and questionable decisions. Here’s a rundown of the experience that, if you are like me, you know all too well

#1. The List.

Sure this begins pretty innocently. Maybe a short scribble on a scrap paper or a note in your smartphone. This begins the process of a list of everyone you’re going to be buying for. A sense of pride and duty comes over you. Your doing it! You’ve got this speed-racer. No one is going to say you waited to the last minute anymore. So you think. Fast forward to two weeks before Christmas and you realize half the people you’ve written down you just can’t think of a gift, let alone subsequently finding it. Sure-time to head to the on-line idea generator. Those tremendous engines of wisdom and fortitude that cranks out the perfect gift ideas- ‘Google”, ‘Amazon” and maybe even lesser known site-”Etsy” if you dare.

#2. Rabbit Holes and Black Holes

Oh no, now you’ve done it! You browsed from the comfort of your couch or bed. You started in clothing, stepped into the department of “ 10 Gifts Everyone Will Love This Year”, and now you are looking at novelty mugs and socks. Again. What happened to that bold warrior armed with structure and the List. But then, just when you were ready to put your smartphone down and close your laptop, you get sucked into the abyss of “You may also like.....”suggestions”. Suddenly, you’ve bought three different kinds of scented candles for yourself, another set of drill bits, and even more double A batteries. You tell yourself it’s a good deal and that those wonderful wares are definitely something you need this season. They were, after all, 70% off!

#3. Carnage and Chaos in Aisle Three

So you want to support the little guy. Support the retailer in you community. Good on you. Time to brave the stores. I am just going to pop in and grab the gift on my trusty list for good ole’ Uncle Bob’? Just like last year, it failed as fast as it began. The first battle- fighting for a parking spot which only a couple weeks ago was almost empty. After locating one a few miles from your destination,  you finally journeyed through the cold and wet to enter the store. Ah.... the aisles are packed with friendly shoppers just like you. They however seem to be on their second lap with carts filled and shuffling for a position in line for the checkouts.

A sudden wave of panic sets in. I can’t find the item on my List. The sizes are wrong, the colour is wrong, that is not what it looked like in the ad, or they are simply sold out. Seems everyone saw the same “Top 10 Gift of This Year”. Now what? That’s right you have a back up Speed-racer! You set off to the next isle, store, province. Ugh. grrr..... same result! This can’t be. Now panic really sets in and your heart beats in your chest as the countdown clock to December 25th. You stand there frozen, staring at a display of argyle socks once again. But wait- he’s a grown adult. Should you get Uncle Bob something practical, like a gift card to the gas station or to the national hamburger joint featuring a King, a Clown, or some strange chunky bear. Then you remember that fun on-line idea- the novelty apron with “ Grill Master” on it. Perfect, you say to yourself followed quickly with: ok, where would I get that now!?

#4. The Last Minute (A.k.a The Hail Mary Pass of Christmas Buying)

As you find yourself back at home, with a nothing but a few sundry items better suited for a stocking. You hang your head low as you feel the shame of calling yourself a ‘gift card giver’. You realize regardless of how practical it is that the lowly gift card is the laziest and most thoughtless gift possible. Nothing screams-”oh yeah- forgot about you” like the plastic gift card. Back on-line you go. What stores are still open? Do they somehow offer same day delivery from China? Back in the car you go to find another parking place. At least you will have something personal and really special for Uncle Bob to unwrap. He will appreciate the effort no doubt.

#5: The Wrapping Paper Blues

You finally make it back home again just after the stores closed and display your plentiful loot across the table. After basking in the glow of the magnificent Christmas Tree you put on your jammies and get a little tipple of Eggnog. You are ready to commence the glorious wrapping stage. Suddenly, you realize you never replaced the wrapping paper from last year. Back in the car you go. Again? No, stores are closed! This sets off a frantic reaction of searching through drawers and cupboards, only to find a half-empty roll of festive paper from last year. Yellowed from age and with small tears in the paper. It’ll do. After all, you can’t possibly wrap presents at 3AM the night before Christmas without at least a couple of ‘creative ‘ solutions. You economize with what you can gather in old wrapping paper, paper grocery bags, and even considered the birthday party paper that had balloons on it. The paper towels even notice you eyeing them like prey. Now the Nog is working its festive magic and you start to relax. Three hours later, your wrapping is finally complete and your back is sore. You can now retire to your royal chambers but first you must trip over the dog on your way to bed without notice of the tape on your elbow and marker on your face. Tomorrow we rejoice and celebrate.

#6. The Hero’s Celebration

Finally. its time to give your gifts. You’ve stressed over every detail for months. You shopped till you dropped. You’ve said your goodbye’s to the packaged delivery folks. You spent a little too much money, but who cares at this point. No battle won was ever properly budgeted you tell yourself. Time to watch the joy and excitement you bring forth from you fellow loved ones. Speed-racer for the win! As they tear the precisely placed scotch tape on the funny looking wrapping paper your heart soars as Uncle Bob proudly displays his newest novelty coffee mug.

For a moment, you remember the reason for the season: it’s not about the gifts. It’s about the people you love. In the end, you’ll do it all over again next year. Let’s be honest, the sheer absurdity of Christmas shopping is what makes the season so.....well, memorable.

What has this have to do with personal finance you might ask....well, absolutely NOTHING! In the end I also realize Christmas is not about gifts or money, but its simply a time to rejoice in the birth of Jesus and to celebrate together the relationships we keep close.

Truly a very Merry Christmas to everyone.

Good luck finding that perfect mug!

Last Edit Jan 29, 2025