The regrettable, dark, and backwards month
Posted on November 3rd, 2009 –
November is so far proving to be a regrettable, dark, backwards, yet strangely forward-looking month. It even produces clumsy opening sentences!
To begin with, I completely missed Halloween. My hemorrhagic fever (I cut myself shaving) not only cost me my opportunity for cheap chocolate, but I didn’t even get to see my brobro’s costume. I asked my younger sis to send me a pic but that may or may not come to pass. May lady Fate smile on us.
Next came that Daylight Saving Time fiasco.
Today when I stepped out for a much-needed haircut, I was met with stark darkness:
I thought the entire point of D.S.T. was to save our daylight hours, not destroy them completely! Thanks a lot, Mr. Hudson. (shifty Kiwi, of course!)
And now, with the half-price Halloween candies still hanging around on shelves, all manner of Christmas gaudiness is blasting everyone in the face. Don’t we still have Rememberance Day? And what about U.S. Thanksgiving? I mean, it’s in the wrong month, but I say live and let eat turkey. Where’s the harm? Why you gotta get people all worked up and credit cardy?
I know, I know; it’s nothing new, but it still manages to somehow surprise me every year. This year the shock was somewhat mitigated by the general classiness that some retailers chose to adopt. For example, the Hudson’s Bay Company (no relation), chose to forgo the neon, abstract, tree-like constructs they’ve been sporting since the eighties in favour of more classic window displays:
Isn’t that nice? I figure if it’s going to be cold outside and I’m being forced to spend my non-existent money on garbage (gifts) I wouldn’t buy at any other time of the year, I don’t need to stare at the Bay’s rendition of a profitable holiday season. I believe they’re on my wavelength because not a thing in these displays is for sale; just for gawkin’:
The couplets that accompany the windows talk mostly about some fat guy with a remote shop where he forces slave labourers to produce “gifts” for his own self-aggrandizement; not my idea of yuletide joy. Guess that’s a corporate Christmas for ya!
Despite the dictatorial overtones, however, I’m glad that the Bay is trying to take Christmas back to something a bit more soulful. Earlier this year they re-opened up The Room on the third floor of the store to sell couture women’s clothing, once again in a style that’s reminiscent of something a bit grander:
People questioned the logic behind this move in the middle of the current financial storm, but I think it has more to do with looking forward, giving hope, and at least getting people to stand in front of the windows. Hopefully, when they have some cash, they’ll come and spend it here. With my own current financial micro-climate, I’m glad that the penny-pinching miser appears to be gaining some traction with retailers. I’ll remember them when I make my millions.
Tomorrow I’m taking a trip to the east end to meet with my RRSP guy; I get to find out how much my only investment’s tanked. I probably won’t be doing any shopping at the Bay any time soon, but at least I get to stare at the windows. From the cold, dark street. *shiver*
... with pictures
... with sounds
... with videos
... with opinions
... that's shorter
... that's longer
November 4th, 2009 10:43 pm
I love to window shop!
Matt
November 5th, 2009 6:58 pm
I find it a very economical alternative to actual shopping, so in that way, I love it too, Matt.
November 5th, 2009 4:18 am
LOL! Enjoyed your very witty and astute observations.
: D
November 5th, 2009 6:57 pm
Cheers, Dirt! :)
November 10th, 2009 2:34 pm
You got the pictures, I think…no? Feel free to use them, unless you think it's too late. :P Sorry about that. :(
November 11th, 2009 1:59 pm
I did get the pictures, Renee. Thanks! Definitely not too late, I just need to work them into a future post.
February 16th, 2010 1:00 pm
Thanks for the information, yes it's a good idea to look through this area before the RRSP deadline arrives, in case there are still ways you can save on your taxes.
February 19th, 2010 9:09 am
True dat, Peter. And just a reminder to everyone considering buying RRSPs, the hit comes at the end (you pay taxes and fees when you redeem). They're basically just temporary tax shelters.