It's just stuff.

I recently had a very early morning flight. One of those where I kept waking up throughout the night, not wanting to oversleep. And then I overslept. Which turned into a mad dash to throw my bags into the back of my car and peel off for the airport at 5:20 am.

One problem.

I forgot to close the tailgate.

Halfway down Park St., I realized why I could hear outdoor noises so loudly. As I was pulling over to the side, my backpack rolled out into the middle of the road. The car behind me ran over it and dragged it underneath for a good 25 yards before it finally dislodged and half the contents spilled out onto the street. I hopped out and frantically gathered what I could while cars and busses were angrily honking at me and swerving to not hit me. Fortunately, the backpack’s product claims of being made of “ballistic fabric” were actually true and most of my gear wasn’t damaged. While I was rushing to recover items, there were really only one of two things with sentimental value that I cared about - and I found both (whew!). Everything else was just stuff that could be replaced.

Stuff is what retailers are hoping we accumulate this holiday season. And lots of it. Ever since the Great Backpack Fiasco of 2023, I’ve been very sensitive about what is stuff vs. what is important. Stuff is transient, temporary, replaceable. Important things are priceless, unforgettable. Things like enjoying the perfect sunset, making it to your kid’s soccer practice in time, a keepsake that brings back an incredible memory.

As the holidays approach, remember that what’s important isn’t just stuff. It’s the people you love and the memories you share with them.