“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”
Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The latest horror story we’re getting from our responsible media (too soon?) is that we can be expecting supply shortages this fall.
In other words, if you don’t have your Christmas shopping done by Columbus Day…excuse me Indigenous Peoples’ Day, you just may not find what you’re looking for.
On a side note, my ancestors were both from Europe and already here. I should get two holidays. It’s only fair.
But you’ve likely seen the images of all the ships that aren’t allowed to dock and unload.
You may already be seeing shortages of certain items in your area. There’s a certain Starbucks where I can’t get my iced tea lemonade because they’re out of lemonade.
I mean, ain’t that a Food Lion across the parking lot?
I digress.
The news reports are also suggesting that we may want to get our Christmas shopping done a little earlier.
I know last year we all went a little crazy ordering online and having things delivered.
What if we looked at things a little differently this year?
What if, after all those years of talking about it and having our hearts grow three sizes when we watched the Grinch, what if we really got the message and decided to spend less and value the things that really matter?
I know in our household I’ve already been asked what the Christmas budget is. The boys do that so they can modify their lists.
And I know that I portray the big guy in the red suit. But Santa was never about giving a child everything he wanted.
In fact, St. Nicholas started out by giving the children what they needed.
I love the festivities and the lights and the merriment of Christmas. I really do believe that it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
I’m not saying we should give that up.
I’m just saying that maybe this year is an opportunity to think about why we’re really celebrating in the first place.
Maybe not maxing out our credit cards or stressing over finding just the perfect gift, or having to find every gift on a list, is the real present we’ve all been longing for.
Personally, as much as I get into the celebrations and the performing, my favorite part of the holiday season is just to sit in the living room by the light of the tree enjoying a bit of peace on my little share of the earth.
Shop early if you must. But if and when the shortages come, don’t stress over it.
Consider it a gift.
What can I give Him, Poor as I am? — If I were a Shepherd I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man I would do my part, — Yet what I can I give Him, — Give my heart.
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The latest horror story we’re getting from our responsible media (too soon?) is that we can be expecting supply shortages this fall.
