"There is something about Christmas that is magical. Money just seems to disappear into thin air." Melanie White
00:12
Good evening and welcome to my humble podcast abode. I am Cocoa Griot, just a fifty-something who is super amped to talk to you dear listener about life, love, and a throng of other topics. It is the most wonderful time of the year and it is also the time that many of us sink deep into debt to provide a magical Christmas experience for friends and loved ones. In honor of this special time, I wrote a poem that summarizes what many people will experience after Christmas is over.
00:37
“Twas the night before my credit card payment was due,
No holly jolly feeling, just up to my ears in debt blue.
A stocking was hung by the chimney with care,
Now I have got a balance from the things I put in there.
My children are all nestled in their beds,
while visions of a second job dance in my head.
I heard a sound it was a concerning matter,
I had turned down the thermostat so my teeth began to chatter.
I glanced quickly around the room for things I could sell,
Christmas was great, but now I am not feeling so well.
I grudgingly decided to add up the receipts,
it took incredible courage to accomplish this feat.
The Christmas spirit must have had a hold on me,
my balance exploded because of all the gifts under the tree.
I tried to focus on the gleam in my children’s eyes,
Wasn’t all this worth it to see their joy and surprise?
Well actually not knowing that I will have to be away from them more,
because of my overzealous shopping spirit and presents galore.
They might not remember what they opened on Christmas Day,
I will never forget because of the debt I have to pay.
2:58
I made this poem because for many years this was my reality. I would strain myself to buy gifts I could not afford with money I did not have. I worked two jobs for many years to try to climb out of debt. Now if I don’t have the money for it, I will not buy it. I am not saying parents should not give their kids gifts. I just know that I made the holiday about the gifts for a long time. In doing so, I wore myself down trying to outdo one year by what I purchased the next year. I hope that if you celebrate Christmas you are able to do so with those you love.
Thanks for listening this evening and as always I wish you good health, good fortune, and a goodnight..
Cocoa Griot out!