It’s that time of  year again and for most Christmas is rush, rush, rush and stress and trying to search for the perfect ellusive day. For what ?

I read today about the struggles billionaires and the top earners have when trying to find the perfect gifts and foods for their friends. If its that much trouble and they end up paying out for extravagant  and classless tat then why not give the millions of needy a helping hand. After all some don’t have a home to live in or the money to feed themselves properly let alone lay out for gifts or special food.

It does sicken me to witness the trollies being crammed full of so much food and treats at this time of the year only to see the bins full with half of their purchases in a few days time as they bought way too much. Why, just to impress a few guests or panicking because the shops will be closed for a few hours?

I do not mean I want to be a complete humbug but why not put some commonsense thought into planning for Christmas? A roast lunch is fine, as is pudding. Having a buffet dinner and some festive tipples are quite normal and acceptable but does the table have to have a week’s worth of fayre pilled onto it because lets face it a huge amount will be left to spoil and be chucked as everyone becomes bloated and uncomfortable. Oh and maybe that table won’t collapse and can be used again for future events.

And whilst I am having an insight into The Noel scene can’t people stop running up so much debt just in order little Jonny has the up-to-date toys or a wife gets the diamond bracelet? Many things will get put away never to be seen again, floated on E-Bay, returned or given to someone else as a future gift.

If the money is not there then work within your budget. Sit the kids down and chat through the situation and discuss the issues with partners and friends as most will prefer a happy life of fun and honesty rather than stress, debt, deceit and unhappiness.

Yes it is cool to receive but when the cost of that pleasure is outweighed by the emotion then one  has to ask the question was it worth it? It is also wonderful to see a smile and joy when giving but again that utter sense of “what the hell am I going to do now the credit card bill has come?” has to be such an idiotic way to impress and spread elation.

As many of you will know I am a postman and see first hand the amount of food waste, and rubbish that is chucked out which could have fed most of the community a second or third time over.

Pressure from shops and everywhere to buy and spend money has got to a record high and these very places are the first to bleat when the economy dips and their profits decline. The banks and credit companies don’t care as they will just increase charges and interest rates to cover their losses. The shops don’t care as they do not think about tomorrow. Your friends don’t care as once the party has ended and gifts are unwrapped and forgotton about then their lives will go back to their normal routines without a thought for anyone else.

So my recommendation for a happy Yule Tide is stop and think about your actions. Only buy what you need and maybe a tiny bit extra. Leave the credit card at home and withdraw cash that can be budgeted for and once it has gone spend no more. Make people and friends aware of your situation if things have changed. If you feel stressed to the point of breaking then you are following the wrong path so change that course. But most of all laugh, relax and take time to reflect and share time with others.

There its not so bad is it??

Maybe now “waste, needs and greed” will balance out to an even keel and everyone can have a bit of joy and happiness all year round and not just for a few hours each year.