The poet said “you can’t go home again” and I understand full well the meaning.

Consumerism and commericialism have ruined this holiday for me, what with sales starting now even before all the leftover Thanksgiving turkey has been eaten, big box stores opening up at 5 am with their early bird specials. All the plastic junk imported from China. Whatever happened to the Wish Book?

This year I chose to celebrate Christmas differently. Since I am unemployed and out of benefits, frankly I could not afford to buy gifts. What I found especially nauseating was the woman who begged for presents on Craigslist. Honey, we’re all in the same boat, don’t you have any pride? What values do you wish to instill in your daughter? How much plastic crap does she really need?

My family celebrated this year with a big supper, stories and songs. This was also my granddaughter’s first Christmas, but I didn’t rush out to buy her junk, instead I gave her her first taste of “Sketti” and meatballs. My daughter and her husband brought homemade fudge and cookies, the neighbors dropped in and had a bite. There was plenty of laughter and joy, and no one seemed to miss the pile of presents.

Maybe times will be better next year, but I believe I’ll continue to approach each holiday with the “less is more” attitude and possibly be able to rekindle some of the magic and wonder from my childhood.