It's the most wonderful time of the year.
No, really.
Not necessarily from an investing perspective – this piece isn't about investing (with the exception of a mangled Christmas Carol… but we'll get to that).
It's just the time of year that tends to bring out our best.
No, not when we're circling the carpark, looking for a spot.
No, not when we're wrapping presents, when the Christmas spirit can take its leave. (Related, it's possible my family will all be getting e-giftcards next year…).
And no, not when that Mariah song comes on (with apologies to my colleagues Erin and Lauren for whom Ms. Carey is the sound of Christmas).
But, in general – and even if you're not religious – Christmas is a time when we seem to be a little kinder, a little happier, and a little more generous in spirit.
It probably helps that Christmas is during summer in Australia – the days are warmer and longer – and that many of us tend to take annual leave, and/or spend time in front of the box watching the cricket.
But it's not just that.
It's wishing strangers Merry Christmas in the shops.
It's the retail staff, the bus drivers and the firies (and the stores, buses and fire engines) in Christmas clobber.
It's the anticipation.
And it's Santa in the shopping centres, and the kids who are just bursting for Christmas morning.
It's a time when we think more about other people, and less about ourselves.
And that's a good thing.
Speaking of others, it's also important to remember those for whom Christmas will be tinged with sadness. Those who are alone, or who are remembering loved ones no longer here, or who won't be around the table at Christmas. And those who are doing it tough, emotionally or financially.
If that's you, I hope you can find some joy.
It's also important to remember that many people will be working tomorrow.
Our defence personnel, stationed overseas. Our emergency services. Our doctors, nurses, essential services staff, transport staff, and many more.
Thank you for being there so we can enjoy our Christmas. I hope you can find some time to enjoy Christmas with those around you.
We also know there are, unfortunately but not uncommonly at this time of year, bushfires raging around the country. If you're impacted, I hope you are safe, and you can celebrate Christmas in some small way.
Speaking of which, thank you to the bush fire brigades across the country who'll be turning out tomorrow. And to the surf lifesavers, charity meal providers, and others serving their fellow Australians on Christmas Day. Our volunteers, of all stripes, are the best of us.
And if Christmas isn't your religious or cultural tradition, I hope you can lean into some of the non-religious elements and embrace a little of the 'spirit' of Christmas, anyway. There's plenty of common ground for us to find.
Me?
I'm going to celebrate Christmas with my extended family. We'll get stuck into the food, the kids will be in the pool, and we'll wear silly hats and tell silly jokes from the bon-bons.
We'll have some empty chairs. We'll remember those who aren't here, and tell stories about them.
But overall?
I'll be thankful for what I have, and for the opportunity to spend time with friends and family over the next week or so. I'll try to capture a little of the Christmas spirit and see how long I can make it last.
That's my hope for you, too.
And that Christmas Carol I mentioned?
Well, a tradition really isn't a tradition unless it's a little daggy, right?
(That's my story, and I'm clinging to it.)
For years, I've been mangling a Christmas Carol in this space at Christmas time.
Why? For a little (daggy) fun.
If nothing else, I hope you'll enjoy the effort and that the song is at least slightly recognisable and you can sing (or hum, or just read) along.
Here goes…
Have yourself a Foolish little Christmas
Have yourself a Foolish little Christmas
Keep investing, right
If you do, returns they will be out of sight
Have yourself a Foolish little Christmas
Invest every day
Your investment focus should be years away
One day these will be olden days
Happy Foolish days of yore
We'll look back with some happiness
That we stayed the course, for sure
Through the years, we'll ride the waves together
If the fates allow
Some days will be rough but on and on we'll plough
'Cos better futures come from doing right things now
One day these will be olden days
Happy Foolish days of yore
We'll look back with some happiness
That we stayed the course, for sure
Through the years, we'll ride the waves together
If the fates allow
Looking far ahead and perched upon the prow
So have yourself a Foolish little Christmas now
Merry Christmas, from me and all at The Motley Fool!
Fool on!
