Riddle me this.  What’s better than getting a plastic candle holder with red and green flashing lights that play “Joy to the World” (sometimes) when you clap your hands?

Answer: not getting it.

During this season of gift giving, we’re usually pretty good at saying, “it’s the thought that counts”.  But somewhere along the way our thoughts turn to giving stuff that (let’s be honest here) will quickly end up in the dump or re-gift pile (not that I’m against re-gifting, but last year I think I received a coffee mug that’s been re-gifted since the early 1950s).

So this year, why not take the opportunity to take a step back from all the stuff and make the thought really count.  Instead of giving yet another cheese serving platter (and I do like cheese) to your aunt in Chicoutimi, how about a donation…say to one of the University Health Network’s Foundations.

So what’s even better than not getting a plastic candle holder with red and green flashing lights that play “Joy to the World” (sometimes) when you clap your hands?  Why, the thoughtful gift of nothing.

Happy Holidays to all!