Commentary

Holidays shouldn’t be financially stressful

December 11, 2024   ·   0 Comments

Harley Pasternak once said that “life is all about balance, and there are certain times of the year … that are meant to be enjoyed without guilt.” They say Christmas is not a season, but a state of mind. Well, the state of mind among our fellow Canadians is a bit depressing this year. According Spring Financial’s annual holiday survey, Canadians are stressed out, in debt and taxed to the limit when it comes to holiday spending.

Try to avoid the evil urges of consumerism

We are entering the holiday season and the infamous “Black Friday.” Sounds more like a reason to panic, than to save. And yet, millions of consumers across North America and beyond will dash to retail stores and wear out their keyboards for a flurry of shopping.

The ‘village’ is here to help one another

We’re all familiar with the phrase, “it takes a village to raise a child.” And it’s here to help adults, too. Originally an African proverb, the phrase picked up steam here in North America following Hillary Clinton’s 1996 book, “It takes a Village.”

Leave love and memories behind, not things

“Ooo, cookies!” I exclaimed to myself when I recently opened my lunch, lovingly prepared by my wife. Such is life’s simple pleasures sometimes. Not overly exciting or earth-shattering, but these tiny chocolate chip specimens brought a smile to my face.

It’s not about winning, just giving it a shot

“Not a winner.” “Please try again.” Messages like these are abundant as I check my lottery tickets each week. Lately, I feel they are personally directed right at me, and have some deeper meaning. Fran Lebowitz once observed that the chances of winning the lottery are identical, whether you play or not.

We need to douse the fuse of hatred

I don’t think most of us can ever understand the hate that’s been embedded in some cultures, religions and countries. Canada welcomes everyone of all ethnicities and countries of origin. We are considered a “cultural mosaic,” unlike the American “melting pot.”

Playing my own personal version of Jenga

There are days when I feel like I’m playing life-size Jenga with myself. Each new piece added to the top makes the structure unsteady, ready to topple. Maybe it’s the change of seasons and the chilly weather descending upon us. Maybe it’s a case of transition, moving forward yet being somewhat stuck.

Someone should do something about this!

Someone should really do something about this! I’ve heard this phrase so often throughout my life that it’s almost synonymous with the human condition. Yes, they should. But just who is this “someone?”

A little bit of hope is a powerful thing

A well known prayer asks the Good Lord to give us the strength to accept things we cannot change. Let’s not forget about hope. It’s been said that we should try to take more out of life than it takes out of us. John F. Kennedy once said: “We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes.”

Pay attention to litany of harmful food additives

We are what we eat, has been our catch phrase for generations. And yes, what we put in our mouths and bellies is more important today than ever before. Unfortunately, the list of additives on our food packages continues to grow, leaving us scratching our heads. These substances may also be making us sick, and ultimately shortening our lifespans.

Next Page »