I know that Christmas shows up every year on the same date, 25th of December but no matter how much I budget there is always some bill that surprises me in January.
I think I have covered all the bases this year: gifts, food, booze and I thought of one other expense that always gets me by surprise – my long distance bill.
Since I am originally from New York, my phone bill skyrockets at holiday time. I need to find a way to make cheap calls to the USA to my friends and family. For some reason, I usually just get excited and pick up the phone and chat for ages.
I would love to take the commercialism out of Christmas. I don’t feel that adults really need lots of gifts as when you reach a certain age, you pretty much have what you need. Last year, I asked for a new duvet cover and pillow cases from my inlaws. We didn’t need anything else that was in the price level we had set in the family. I think my beloved’s mother was disappointed that we wanted such a boring gift but that is what happens when you are an adult. You need boring stuff like new sheet and towels.
I must say I prefer Thanksgiving in America or Canada to Christmas because it is a holiday that is all about friends and family, not shopping. Everyone can participate in Thanksgiving since the food that is traditional is mostly inexpensive – turkey and potatoes and no gifts are ever given or expected. I adore the idea that you get together with your loved ones and say ‘thanks’ for your blessings. It doesn’t matter who had a better financial year because you all get together to share a meal and to connect not exchange bank statements.
Thanksgiving is the one thing I miss most about living in the States. I love my new family in London but there is something so special about getting together, sharing a big meal and saying thanks for what you have that is just amazing. I think I might have to watch my phone bill in December too as I will be ringing a lot of people for Thanksgiving.
