Each passing year makes up a smaller fraction of our lives, which means every one passes more swiftly. Then there’s capitalism to keep it pushing ever more quickly, playing on our nostalgia and rushing the next season before the current one has even set in. This year, big box stores were unveiling Halloween and holiday merchandise in the middle of July. And yet, December arrives somehow suddenly and with the burden of stress that comes with wanting to make sure our loved ones feel special.

So much of our money and effort winds up in the landfill and never seems to fill the void of inadequacy.