Things I don't get...

There are lots of things that I don't understand - too many to mention. There are things that I used to understand - like maths and French and things that I have never, ever managed to grasp - like science of any stripe. And then there are the cultural events that seem to get others into a froth of excitement that leave me just bewildered. (I'm not meaning to be scrooge-like or overly didactic so please don't be offended if I come across too strong.)

1. Halloween. I don't get it. I'm happy for it to be a North American thing (even though I think it originated in the UK). But I don't get the idea of knocking on people's doors and asking for lollies or chocolate with the threat of a trick if said treats are not supplied. No offence to my Northern Hemisphere friends and family, but it just seems weird.

And now it's come to Australia.

The last three or four years we have had kids and teenagers coming around asking for goodies. Last year all I had was fruit which was promptly rejected. It's even become an "event" in the shopping calendar. The shops swell with ghoulish things as Halloween approaches and dutiful shoppers hand over their money to buy bits of future landfill as they celebrate something that has no meaning to them and of whose origin they are unaware. I don't get it.

2. Melbourne Cup Day. It's today! Apparently. I've never been interested in horse racing and I would bet that most of those who frock up with fascinators and fancy dresses have little interest in horse racing. Why is this such a big deal? I don't get it.

Celebration is important. In times gone by it was associated with harvest and seasons and the fact that, against the odds of famine, disease and poor sanitation, we (or rather our ancestors) were still alive.

Yet here in the wealthy west where the luxury of plentiful food, clean water and good sanitation makes us veritable kings, we can't seem to celebrate without it becoming expensive and indulgent.

I like the idea of being together with friends and family and sharing food and conversation. Playing games and perhaps even singing. Being thankful and generous without the massive credit card bill.

As Christmas approaches I will need to grit my teeth. I love Christmas. I love decorating the tree and making gingerbread. I love finding or making presents for all the precious ones in my life. And I love singing carols and going to church and reflecting on the wonder of the star and the angels and the shepherds and mostly that amazing baby in the feed trough. But I don't like that Christmas is just becoming The Holidays and that kids at school hear about a fat man in a red suit and not the baby in a manger. I don't like that we are urged to buy coffee machines and big TVs for presents and the sanitisation of greed and avarice. So this year I am going to try to continue the small Christmas where the focus is off the gifts. So it's handmade or books or food or time for our lot as well as some proxy gifts of goats and immunisations and school kits and clean water and the like.

Here are some places to get worthwhile proxy gifts (and a good dose of perspective!)

• TEAR
• Worldvision
• CMS
• Oxfam