"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!