CultureFeast » Christmas

Avoiding the Big-Box Shopping this Christmas

Daniel Dessinger — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:46:56 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

December 24, 2008

As someone who loves shopping and going to the mall, you would never take me as the person to say that I would much rather do my Christmas shopping in small-town Ontario.

Every year for Christmas, my best friend and I make the trek to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario to do the bulk of our Christmas shopping. What is so special about NOTL is that it is a very small and quaint area, filled with Canadian history and tradition. The shops in the downtown core are unique and filled with things you would never find at a mall or outlet store.

I have found some of the nicest presents for my family and items for myself while shopping in NOTL. Stores like Ten Thousands Villages that only carries pieces made from people in third world countries, and where the majority of the proceeds go directly to those who made the items. The people who staff the store are working on a volunteer basis, so it’s nice to know that charity and kindness is still alive and well.

There are also specialty stores, like the store that sells products from and influenced by Japan and Japanese culture, hat, candy, and even tea shops. One of my favourite stores is tucked away off the main strip, and sells classic movies and film memorabilia. Last year, I was able to find a film that I had been searching for online for years, but I found it there.

It is an experience that I always look forward to. It is never busy in the shops or on the streets, I never have to hunt for parking spots, or even get annoyed with the over abundance of people trying to get their shopping done as well.

I’m not a big fan of small towns, but there is something so special about Niagara-on-the-Lake and the picturesque shops, bed and breakfasts, and horse and buggy rides that rings Romantic.

Every town or city has their own Niagara-on-the-Lake, and hopefully people can get the experience of avoiding line-ups, chatting with genuine people who love their jobs and purchasing gifts you know the person receiving will love.

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My Christmas Revelation: An Honest Look at Those Less Fortunate

Daniel Dessinger — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:00:55 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

December 17, 2008

If years of watching awful Christmas TV specials has taught me anything, it’s be thankful for what you have. Be thankful for your life and friends. Strive to be a better person so some angel can get her wings. These hackneyed messages are so cliché this time of year that they are easy to ignore. But recently, I was figuratively hit smack dab in the head with what being thankful really means.

I have a freelance gig writing articles for my local paper. The paper has something called the Empty Stocking Fund which gives money and gifts to those less-fortunate. My assignment is to write about some of the recipients and how they got into the position they are in. To help me write their stories, I’m given their applications, which gives a small history of what each person or family is going through.

Being a “heartless conservative”, I’ve always considered the majority of the needy are there because of their choices. When you choose to abuse drugs or alcohol, don’t be surprised when you find yourself homeless. When you prostitute yourself, you’re not going to run into quality-type people. When you choose to drop out of high school, you can’t expect to make a decent living. Yeah, I always knew that the poor have always been with us, and for those cases, I give as generously as I can to charities.

But the other day, after I wrote about six or seven articles, I had to stop what I was doing and just sit and take everything in. I was struck by a feeling of sadness and gratefulness at the same time. At first I thought, I’m so damned lucky. My family and I are all healthy. My children weren’t born with any defects. My husband and I don’t have any diseases. I have a nice house and I don’t worry about paying my bills. Sure, our cars, “Old Blue” and “Beater”, are 10 and 11-years old, but they are paid off, and still running reliably.

A lot of the people I wrote about have children who are sick. One single mother lived with her folks and her three-year-old has congestive heart failure. She can’t work because the child can’t be exposed to germs in daycare. Another family was dealing with a child with Marfan syndrome. Another had a child with severe arthritis. All these families know too well about navigating the bureaucratic nightmare of getting Medicaid coverage. Some don’t have private insurance and some have it, but coverage is very limited.

Other families are trying to get on their feet after something devastating. One mother I talked to was homeless after escaping an abusive situation. She works over sixty hours a week but is frustrated because even though she works so hard, she still just barely pays the bills.

Many of the families work, and the thing nearly all of them had in common was that they hated asking for help. They hated being put in the position where they had to go to an organization for money or their children wouldn’t have any Christmas.

This year, I urge everyone to really look around. Be thankful for what you have and really be thankful for your health and the health of your loved ones. Don’t concentrate on what you don’t have or focus on the things you want. And most importantly, give a little of what you have to a local charity that works with the poor.

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Get Creative! Give a Homemade Christmas Gift this Holiday Season

Daniel Dessinger — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:59:58 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

December 15, 2008

It’s everywhere – the global credit crunch that is teetering on the edge of a full-blown recession. Usually the first victim of the tightening of purse strings is the retail sector, who annually tries to whip us up into a big spending frenzy. We’re urged to indulge, to be extravagant and to spend, spend, spend. So it’s not surprising that sometimes it feels as though Christmas has become more about how much money you’re handing over, rather than what you’ve given.

This year I’m trying to cut back dramatically on my Christmas shopping. Not because I’m a Scrooge or in any way anti-Christmas — I’m just trying to take a different tact. I get tired of fighting with the Christmas shopping crowds, and being urged to empty my bank account. I often wonder why gift giving, particularly at Christmas, has evolved into a manic spending spree.

Last week the UK’s Telegraph newspaper reported that over one billion toys are discarded within a month of being received at Christmas. That’s a heck of a lot of financial and environmental waste.

This kind of disposable attitude towards Christmas gifts is partly the reason why I’m really thinking long and hard about what I give this year. I’ve come to the conclusion that the most thoughtful, frugal and environmental way to do a bit of gift-giving this year is to make my own gifts. I’m also determined to challenge the common perception that spending less on Christmas presents equates to giving a piece of disposable tat, or that giving homemade gifts screams “I don’t have enough money to buy you a proper present!”.

Trust me, making your own gift can be one of the most frugal but thoughtful ways of gift giving. The old adage “it’s the thought that counts” really does apply to presents that you’ve made yourself. But thoughtful, individualized hand-made gifts that just happen to cost a bit less can also tick the “lavish” or “bespoke” (custom-made) boxes, simply because they’re specifically tailored for the person they’re intended for. Homemade presents are a superb way to show that you’ve really thought long and hard about what you’re giving. It says something significant about the person who made it, and the person who receives it. It can also make you think outside the box.

So what am I doing this year then? My mother, who loves gardening and growing vegetables, is receiving seeds in a hand-made packet, along with some handmade wooden plant labels and herb pots. For my sister, who has severe food allergies, I’m putting together a bespoke (custom-made) recipe book. She also loves handbags so I’m having a rummage around to find her a vintage handbag. If I had the skills, I’d go that extra mile and make her a bag. My best friend is obsessed with cooking and world cuisines, so I’m visiting our local Indian and Italian food markets and putting together a special food hamper for her. I’m also bunging in some chili plant seeds that I collected last year, as I know she loves to make her own chili cooking oil. If I’d have afforded myself a little more time, I know I could have made some wickedly decadent creams, lotions and potions and had some serious fun making labels and dressing up the jars.

Of course, not everybody can be completely puritan about making their own Christmas gifts. I know I’m not. For instance, my father is notoriously difficult to find a gift for. He is even more unhelpful when he says things such as “don’t worry about getting me anything”. But he loves coffee, so this year he’s getting a small espresso kit, bought from a national coffee specialist. If I could buy local, I would. My ‘ethical recompense’ for buying a gift that’s likely come from the other side of the world is to purchase fair trade coffee. Being truly ethical, environmental and frugal at Christmas is hard, so trying your best to compensate where possible is a start.

So the message here is if, like me, you have both the time and the inclination, why not have a go at making your own gifts this year? See how it goes. You never know, it might prove a veritable success.

written by Lucy Debenham

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To Give or Not to Give Lingerie for Christmas

Daniel Dessinger — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:42:31 +0000

By Daniel Dessinger

December 12, 2008

As Christmas Day approaches, some of you guys out there looking for the perfect gift for your woman. Most guys like to see their partner in some form of lingerie, but certain women just won’t take the time to shop for it.

So what’s the rule about shopping for lingerie, panties, and sexy evening wear for as a Christmas gift?

Answer? It all depends on the woman AND the relationship. Sadly, there is no simple one size fits all answer. You have to know your partner better than the stereotypical male. If you can answer the following questions, you may just find the narrow path to success.

Do you know that you know that you know her size? This is no joke. If you don’t know her size, your gift will likely score you ginormous negative points. An outfit too small will make her feel fat. She can’t fit into it, and she now either has to tell you or find a way to exchange it without your knowing. Including a gift receipt MIGHT save you. If the outfit is too big, you obviously think she’s fat. In your mind, she’s “this big.” Bad move. Good luck recovering from that one.

What colors look good with her skin tone? This is more important than you think. Some lighter hues look washed out in white. Some yellow hues clash with blues and some pinks.

What are her favorite colors? If you can pick out something you know she will enjoy looking at, chances are you’ll do just fine.

Do you buy what YOU think looks good or what SHE will think looks good? Here’s your REAL dilemma. Only a few of you can answer this one. Some women are turned on by seeing themselves and realizing they look sexy. Others are most turned on by knowing their mate thinks they look sexy. Call it trust and/or intimacy issues. It doesn’t matter. Select what you know will appeal most to that side of her that assesses value and worth.

Is the material comfortable to the touch? This is important for both of you. An uncomfortable outfit won’t be endured for long periods of time. Part of feeling attractive is not feeling scratchy, cramped, or hindered. Keep in mind that you don’t want to be scratched either, and certain outfits won’t make the cut.

If you pass the test, go forth and conquer (i mean purchase)! Keep in mind that a woman armed with only one or two special articles of clothing will either wear them too often or only on special occasions. So consider purchasing several outfits or making a new purchase a monthly routine.

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6 Tips for Holiday Road Warriors

Jenni Hammitt — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:27:22 +0000

By Jenni Hammitt

November 28, 2008

The Holiday Road Trip

As I packed up my birds’ food and treats last night, I began to dread the three (at least) hour drive are making today. I know choosing to move away makes holiday travel a necessary evil, but I’m still not a fan. Every year at Thanksgiving and Christmas there seems to be a lot of attention on focused on how to survive air travel. Yes I agree that the idea of being in an airport near the holiday season is a mess. Yes I would want tips on how to survive the madness that holiday air travel has become. I actually purposely planned my vacation so it happens in the usual lull between Thanksgiving and when the kids are let out of school for Christmas to avoid the crowds and the high airfares. However, I think the road warriors get a bit shafted. Yes we look at the gas prices and the increased number of accidents, but no one really gives us the time of day.

Yes many people do fly, but others take busses, trains and even drive to our holiday destination. I get that being stranded in the airport for the holidays…losing your luggage and what not creates more drama for the reporter, writers, and bloggers.

That being said being a person who has been delayed on a train for three hours because of freight traffic can be just as frustrating. I’ve been stuck in bumper to bumper traffic at the for almost 45 minutes at the Ohio/Indiana state line waiting my turn to pay my toll…with a screaming 18 year old cockatiel in tow. These things cannot be avoided. However there are some things you can do to make the road trip less of a nightmare. This list is too late for Thanksgiving, but Christmas is right around the corner!

Plan ahead.
This may seem like a no brainer, but some people seem to think that road trips do not need as much planning. If you have to work until 5, make sure that you are packed and ready to go as soon as you hit the door. Yes, there may be some last minute things that have to be attended to, but be as prepared as possible.

Use the internet.
Use a site like traffic.com. I’m sure there are others out there, but I know this site lets you put in the address of where you are coming from and going to and it gives you your route, how long the drive would be if you were driving the speed limit, any delays, and then the actual drive time. Yes of course this is subject to change, but it at least gives you an idea of what to expect.

Use GPS.
Yes I know you most likely know where you are going, but GPS does more than tell you directions. Most units will also tell you about traffic backups and give you alternate routes. I just set my GPS on my phone before I leave the house and it tells me the rest. This is also helpful in helping you plan your stops. If I know there is a ten mile back up at the state line toll booths, I know that is at least 20 minute if not a 30-40 minute wait. I can plan where I want to stop accordingly.

Hold off on the liquids.
This is especially true if you aren’t used to drink 64 oz of liquid non-stop. In most cases (unless you are traveling with a person or a pet that requires frequent stops) you will want to stop as little as possible. If you hold off on the liquids until a little ways into your trip you may save yourself some stopping time.

Bring pet supplies.
If you are traveling with pets, make sure you have all the needed supplies. If you have a pet in a cage or kennel, make sure it is seat belted in and that the cage doors are secure. Bring food and water to replenish their dishes if needed.

Most importantly: Do not panic and to not rush. If you forget something…it isn’t the end of the world. If you get in late, your family will be happy that you made it in one piece. Keep yourself and everyone else on the road with you safe and do not push yourself beyond your capacities.

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Just Say No to Early Christmas

Michael Callaway — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:17:58 +0000

By Michael Callaway

November 25, 2008

As we approach Thanksgiving I am reminded that this really is the most wonderful time of the year. The weather is turning colder, NFL football and college football are in full swing and of course you have the trifecta of big holidays all in a condensed time, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. So this is what it must feel like to be Jewish, holidays all the time.

However, the holidays can bring out a lot of bad in people too, which leads me today’s blog. There is a rule, this rule is iron clad, it can not be amended and it must not be violated. The rule reads as follows: “The overall celebration and general observance of the holiday of Christmas shall not begin until the first Friday following the day of Thanksgiving. No houses shall be decorated; no trees are to be put up. It is also not permissible for radio stations to be playing 24 hours of Christmas music until the said Friday.”

I do not want to alarm any of the good readers of CultureFeast, but I must inform you that this rule is being broken all the time. There were stores selling Christmas gear long before Halloween, one of my neighbors has already put up his Christmas lights, but it gets worse: In many areas in this vast land of ours local radio stations have already started their continuous non-stopped Christmas music programming. Why in the world would you do that even after Thanksgiving? A little Christmas music here and there is nice, but playing only Christmas music can become rather boring (unless it is the Trans Siberian Orchestra playing “Carol of the Bells”, that rocks).

Now if some day AC/DC or Def Leppard want to do a Christmas album I will be all for it and will add to my family holiday tradition. But even if these legends of rock were to make such an album I would still hold on to my belief in the law of no Christmas celebration until after Thanksgiving. We must rid this scourge from the earth, instead of adding value to either holiday it ends up diminishing both.

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Stressed for the Holidays

Jenni Hammitt — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:33:07 +0000

By Jenni Hammitt

November 17, 2008

My mom called me last Friday and uttered the words that strike fear into my heart every November and it stays there until New Years “So what are you doing about Thanksgiving?” Next come the questions, “Why do you have to work so late on Wednesday?” “So you want to have dinner here or in Woodville?” “Are you sure you don’t mind missing out on going to the PI with your friends?” “How long are you staying?” Of course I have no “good” answers for these.

I have to work that late because the college is open and we need the coverage. If I want time off at Christmas, I have to sacrifice. Yes, I would rather only have to drive three hours as opposed to four to Woodville. No, I don’t mind skipping out on seeing my classmates get drunk. Not to mention by the time I got off work, went home, and then drove to Woodville, it would be at least midnight and I would be exhausted. I have no idea how long I’m staying. I need to talk to my other boss to determine when he needs me to be back.

This time of year always brings a certain amount of stress. In my case it isn’t a financial crisis as much as it is a time crisis. The holidays always put me on edge because it is the time of year where I have to juggle my family and my real life and it usually isn’t pretty. I think it is an issue with many people, and it is a common affliction amongst people who have moved away from home, have children or are in a relationship. We have a limited amount of time, and we are being ripped in many directions.

I know some people look at me and they just think “well there is one of her, she has no children and she lives three hours from her parents…so what” and admittedly, it does look like it I have it pretty easy . However, looks can be deceiving. Of course it is preferred that I drive home on Wednesday night, but as I said before I work until 7. I can’t just leave from work because I have 5 birds my parents want to see. That means I have o drive home, load them up and then leave. I work two other jobs. One is from home, but the other is a DJ job at night. I know he *wants* me to be back for the Friday night show, but I’ll probably stay until Saturday. At least this year there is no significant other involved to have to play the are we doing Thanksgiving together…if so where game with. Even before Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas questions will start. The getting there by Christmas Eve services isn’t an issue, but the how long will I stay question will be the heavy hitter.

Of course, you want to see your family (well in most cases), and you really do not want to hurt anybodys feelings. Still trying to juggle your time around the holidays can be maddening. Yes it is the holidays and you want to work to make everyone happy, but how is that fair if you are miserable the whole time. It isn’t just your family either. What do you say when your full time employer wants to have a Holiday party downtown until 8:00, but you have to be at your other job on the other side of town at 9:00. Oh and don’t forget about your poor dog Spot who really needs left out before you go to your second job. Common sense says just go to the work party and then leave a little early. In many cases, this will solve it. Yes, it might be a tight, but can be workable. It might not be ideal, but if you make a little sacrifice and ENJOY yourself at the party while you can, it is worth it.

That is how most of the time crunch things work. You do things you don’t like, work to compromise with your friends and family, enjoy the time with your loved ones and friends, and keep positive. When you clash with your mom about only being home for a day because you have to drive another 8 hours to your fiancé’s grandmother’s house, don’t flip out. Stay calm and take the emotion out of the argument when you state your case. Yes there will be chaos and I can’t promise that it will be drama free, but keep focused on the happy things and you will be much better for it.

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