Christmas time with the family was great for getting together, and enjoying the atmosphere of sharing and fun. There was room for guests and friends in my daughter’s comfortable home.
We were the lucky ones. For many it's a time of stress...a feeling that all is not well with your world. Today, safely back after escaping the Boxing Day maniacal shopping rush, it's a time for reflection. For instance, why do I feel exhausted? Was it the emotional pleasure of being with family? Or is it getting used to my brand new Bio-Soy pillow? |
Another interesting thing was to watch some of the TV programs that interest the younger family members and their friends. They are definitely fascinated by the idea of having their own tiny house. I hadn't realised until now how the idea of building, renting or buying tiny homes features high on the popularity list with so many people. There are entire websites devoted to this type of accommodation. And of course hours of TV viewing or watching all about tiny houses on YouTube.
I'm told youngsters no longer aspire to have a regular, two or three bedroom and bathroom home. Job losses have made people realise a mortgage payment would be out of reach for them. That's why they're quite content to stay in the basement, garage, or whatever other accommodation parents can provide. We’re often not talking about teens here--no, these are fully mature, young-ish folks.
This generation is different. They often have no wish to marry, start a family, support a family. I'm reminded of the little houses made of ticky-tacky sung about long ago. Seems there's always a revolt against accommodation that's tried and true.
I'm trying to picture myself in one of these tiny homes. They're often set up on properties that are anything but tiny, so I guess you could have lovely walks through the woods. Not too many wannabe tiny home owners seem to be gardeners. But then, that could interfere with a lot of other important things in life.
Too much togetherness!
I can't help thinking about all the millions of refugees presently making their exodus from war torn, poverty stricken countries whenever I think about such things. They seem to have incredible tolerance for living in crowded conditions. Christmas is the time for welcoming and tolerance, after all, so it makes me wonder why I have such a hard time even thinking about living in a tiny house?
The future...
So I look at the enthusiastic faces of those obviously well-intentioned lovely young people whose thoughts at this time are for lessening their environmental footprint on the earth, and for innovative solutions to their financial crises. Isn't it true that the old becomes new? I wonder if tiny houses are the solution, or whether there might be a better way?
Wishing you a safe and beautiful week,
Vicki