It is the undisputed favorite time of year for most people. Most people being blissfully ignorant yuppie soccer moms with assloads of debt under their $350 pleather belt they got at Macy's. For the rest of us, who live here well below the clouds, this time of year is a snowball of stress chasing us down a steep hill. Only luck will keep us from being swept away to our demise. I don't mind the holidays. I enjoy seeing family, and the food is fantastic (I love me some taters). I do however dislike the fact that it costs so darn much money to actively participate in anything holiday related.
Currently we live in a single income household. The job market is still crap, so my husband isn't having much luck getting work. That means that it's cheap presents for those lucky enough to get any at all, and not much else. I am awed by those who can buy extravagant gifts for everyone they know. I am not awed by the debt they gather buying such things. I don't have any credit cards, and even if I did, I know well enough to not use them except for emergencies or important things like food or bills if I have no other means to afford such items.
Getting back to my point, the holidays are insanely expensive, and this year is even worse. My new unit at work has decided that everyone here must be rich despite the fact that we are public workers and most of them make less than I do. No, that doesn't matter! They can spend spend spend! Those of us with families or other financial responsibilities be damned! We are scrooges! Bah Humbug on us! They've had numerous luncheons in the last couple of weeks, with several more planned before Christmas. They're asking a minimum of $20 secret Santa participation, a monetary donation to buy presents for the holiday party in two weeks, and the real cherry on the cake, a donation for a gift for the bossman. The best part about that last one is, if you don't donate, you don't get to sign the card, and the bossman will then know exactly who kisses his ass, and exactly which employees don't.
It is not a comfortable position to be in, here, in poorsville. But I am not going to degrade myself, or overdraw my bank account to kiss up to my boss. I am hoping he has enough sense to know that those of us (there are several) who didn't chip in, cannot afford to. It is nothing against him, it's just that we have priorities. I can't even get my husband his birthday gift until my next paycheck.
To the people fortunate enough to participate in all of these holiday whatnots, I am happy for you. I however, am not happy at being called cheap behind my back because I am opting out of most of them. I am not pleased with the fact that rather than be understanding that not all of us have money to throw around this time of year, you choose to whisper about us and make us sound like bad people. I am pretty sure the pregnant girl is more concerned with having money for her new baby and toddler. I am pretty sure the guy who has to pay high child support to an ungrateful shrew of an ex is more concerned with keeping a roof over his head than spending over a hundred bucks on office parties and presents. I am also pretty sure that the old ladies saving for retirement don't see the worth of your silly little gatherings.
Isn't the holiday season supposed to be about being with loved ones? Friends and family. Coworkers. Whatever. Why then, are you excluding everyone who can't afford to pay for everything you're asking? Why not let them play games too and have laughs? Why do we have to buy our way into the fun? What the hell kind of holiday spirit is that?
I don't get it.
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