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HomeLifeAll I want for Christmas is ... steer manure

All I want for Christmas is … steer manure

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All I want for Christmas is… steer manure. That might seem like an odd request, but hear me out. There’s something about the unusual and utterly practical gifts that truly makes the holiday season special. But let’s take a step back and talk about the much-hyped Dubai chocolate, for starters.

The Viral Sensation: Dubai Chocolate

For those who keep up with the latest trends, the viral sensation known as Dubai chocolate is no stranger. This dark cocoa delight has been enticing palates and wallets worldwide, with its unique flavour profile and rather hefty price tag. At almost $25 a bar, it’s a luxury that some, including myself, find hard to justify.

The mystery and allure of Dubai chocolate, however, are undeniable. Its exotic origins, combined with the promise of an unparalleled chocolate experience, make it a tempting prospect. That said, due to recent family developments, it remains an unexplored delicacy for me.

A Shift in Christmas Traditions

My family and I have decided to opt-out of the typical Christmas gift exchange this year, a decision made primarily by my daughter. She believes that we already have enough ‘stuff’, and instead of adding to it, we should focus on the essence of the holiday season. While there’s wisdom in her words, the child within me yearns for something to unwrap on Christmas morning.

The True Essence of Gift-Giving

Gifts, in my view, are not purely about material possessions. They represent thoughtfulness and the assurance that you’ve been heard and appreciated. This Christmas, I’m not looking for extravagant presents. Instead, I wish for practical items that would solve everyday problems and make life a little easier – a sturdy garlic press, suet blocks for the birds, or a car detailing service, to name a few.

It might not be glamorous, but the joy I would derive from receiving any of these items would be priceless. A donation to the SPCA, or a thoughtful item from the School of Life gift shop, would also be greatly appreciated.

Reconsidering the Concept of a Gift

Despite my wishes, my son-in-law insists that a gift should be glamorous and expensive. He doesn’t see the value in practical presents. However, growing up, practicality was a big part of my life. My dad used to gift my mom two giant bags of steer manure each Christmas because she hated lugging them home from the nursery. It was a considerate gift that she genuinely appreciated.

Maybe that’s why this year, all I want for Christmas is… steer manure. And yes, I’d still like to try that $25 Dubai chocolate bar.

Jane Macdougall is a Vancouver-based writer with a knack for weaving engaging narratives. With years of expertise in the field, she aims to provide readers with thoughtful insights and compelling stories.

author avatar
Ethan Radcliffe
Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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