I did some Christmas shopping last night. Actually, I mostly browsed because finding things that I actually want to buy in a brick and mortar store has been kind of difficult. The people in my life are becoming increasingly difficult to buy for and there’s nothing I really need or want either. I’m on the verge of asking my parents for a gallon of paint for redecorating a room because there’s just nothing else.

I had this conversation with a cashier last night. She nodded, leaned across the counter and said in a conspiratorial voice “everyone feels that way this year. People just aren’t happy. They can’t find anything they want to buy so they’re panic buying anything they can find so they have things to give. They’re not very nice either.”

What a sad state of affairs that we would rather spend money on things we don’t care about just for the sake of buying something – whether the recipient wants it or not. On the one hand, I felt better because I am at least trying to be thoughtful in my gifting but it mostly made me feel discouraged. After all, how much of this stuff will end up returned, donated, stuffed in a closet, or just thrown away?

Earlier this week, I had a conversation with an older man who told me all about his grandchildren. When I wished him a Merry Christmas he said “oh, I intend to have a wonderful Christmas!” He went on to proudly tell me about his youngest great granddaughter. Her middle name is Rose. Everyone else calls this toddler by her first name but he uses her middle name. “Rose. She’s my beautiful little Rose,” he said proudly. “Yes, I will have a wonderful Christmas.”

It made me hope that little girl remembers when she’s older how much she was adored by this sweet man.

The holidays can be hard for some folks. Maybe you’ve lost someone important or have suffered the loss of income. If you’re empty nesting, adjusting to the new dynamic can be lonely. My parents are facing their first Christmas without their Christmas loving German Shepherd and it’s hard. Money is an issue for many as is the consumer burnout we feel. How much stuff do we really need?

There are lots of reasons to be sad, frustrated and angry.

There are also good reasons to reach for the light, joy and goodness around us. It’s there if we look. That cashier is surrounded by people engaged in the blind commercialism of the season. That older man only cares about the youngsters who will make his season bright.

It’s a stark contrast, isn’t it?

Perhaps we can find some middle ground.