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If you’re a longtime reader, you know I spend most of the year in Asia. I’ve lived in Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Asia is wonderful, but, I must confess, it isn't easy for me to get into the holiday spirit over here.
It isn't that Asia doesn't try hard. From Japan to Jakarta, Asians have embraced the commercial symbols of Christmas in a big way.
Stores and shopping malls are decorated with Christmas trees and holiday lights, all the stores play “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and no child will have any problem finding a Santa Claus happy to listen to their wish list.
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| Source: www.sbs.com |
I’m much too old (and just a little too fat) to sit on Santa's lap anymore, though. And, anyway, the meaning of the holiday season has changed for me over years.
Oh, there’s still a little child in me who gets that the holidays mean presents and time off from school. But, now that I’m older (and, hopefully, wiser) the holidays are less a “time,” a “season,” even a “celebration.”
These days, the holidays are more a state of mind. Rather than consuming, it’s about opening our hearts to the important people in our lives.
Now that I'm an AARP-eligible adult, I’ve come to believe that the reason that we spend so much money on Christmas presents is that we use them to substitute for the words of love and appreciation that are, unfortunately, spoken too infrequently.
I want to let you know that you are one of those important people in my life.
Without your support, I would not have the opportunity to pursue my great passion of searching for unique opportunities all over the world to enrich the financial side of our lives.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Wishing you a prosperous and healthy 2021 ...
Best,
Tony
