Tis the season

How many gifts does a gift giver give until the gift giver feels they've proven their worth?

​“I can’t believe I have to spend $25 on that bitch and I don’t even like her!” 

That shocking statement came from the beautiful woman walking with several others slightly ahead of me. Although the sidewalks were crowded, the sound carried clearly in the balmy night air.

I was meandering along 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, enjoying the street performers, and occasionally ducking into shops. The atmosphere was festive, as were the decorated store fronts. It was, after all, just before Christmas.

So the angry sounding words seemed totally out of place for the happy vibrancy I was experiencing. But as I found myself drifting along with the crowd, I couldn’t help but notice this wasn’t the only disgruntled grumblings that made it’s way to my ears. ​

Mutterings of “how am I going to get presents for everyone” to “hurry up and buy something already” to “we will worry about paying for it later, just charge it” started to pierce the joyful ambiance. And suddenly I found myself wondering if I was the only person finding the peace of this holiday time. 

Whatever happened to all being merry and bright? ​

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