Photo Credit: Flickr / Kevin Dooley
After so many years of avoiding the malls between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, I decided to go last weekend. In a time when pink slips have replaced holiday bonuses in many households, and the news is filled hourly with tales of economic hardship, it’s hard to pull out the wallet and bring home armloads of presents to pile under the tree. But I found myself needing a few trinkets to round out my highly edited shopping list, so off I went to my local mall.
Unlike previous seasons, I was surprised (but shouldn’t have been) to find that I didn’t have to fight for parking, and the mall wasn’t crowded with anxious shoppers. It was a little depressing to wander into empty shops, only to be accosted by the overly eager sales assistant, pointing out that everything is 30% off. All around me, signs of the times: “Sale!” and “Going out of Business – Everything Must Go!” And even though there were great deals to be had, I just wasn’t in the mood to shop.
I am in the mood to be grateful for what I have, more so than any other year in recent memory. And rather than fill my house with more stuff, I’d rather fill my heart with memories – hosting good friends for an Indian themed holiday dinner, having a game night, watching hours of old Christmas specials on TV, singing Christmas carols, wrapping gifts for a local charity to hand out, going ice skating (in Los Angeles! Outside!). And as we wind down 2008 and look forward into 2009, I’m grateful for the past year: completing my demos, auditioning, booking gigs and learning constantly… and the love and support of friends, family & you. Thanks for reading, and for your constant support and encouragement.
I wish you and yours a Very Merry Recessionary Christmas (Hannukah, Kwaanza, Yule…) and a safe and fantastic New Year!
No comments yet.