I don't think anyone ever really feels rich. Well, ok, if you own a yacht and a spacecraft, I'm pretty sure you feel pretty rich, but not so rich that they stop grasping for more, which makes me think it's more of an obsession, some sort of financial dysphoria. Short of that though, I've never met anyone who thought they were rich.

When I was a kid, my parents told me my aunt and uncle were rich, and it made sense. My aunt was a stay at home wife their whole marriage, decades before they had a child. They kept butter (not margarine) in their fridge, and bought brand name ice cream long before that felt common. They never owned a second hand car, or book, or entered a thrift store. They shopped at Eaton’s and The Bay, ate at restaurants and ordered takeout often, never once asking what was on sale. They had a purebred dog that was never left alone, carried around in a cat carrier to the mall, and to dinner, regardless of the signs, and dirty looks. My aunt set the standard for the entitled Fur Parents of today. They had paintings on their walls. When I told them I'd heard they were rich, they scoffed. “We're not rich,” they told me, “just comfortable.”

One year, visiting an ex’s family for Passover, I said hello to everyone, including the sweet Bubby looking ladies working hard in the kitchen. The ladies seemed surprised, and mumbled hello back, but didn't sit down with us for the seder. That's when I realized that the meal was catered, and the kitchen women were actually on the clock. I thought that it must cost extra to not just hire caterers, but other people's Bubbies to do the traditional meal authentically. The art on the walls was far and away better than the derivative, basic bitch oil paintings my aunt had selected. Plus, they talked to me about the art, tickled by my artistic nature, aware of being in the presence of something they couldn't be or buy their way into, even as I was coming to terms with the fact that I would never attain the material status they carried so casually. It wasn't the right time or place to ask if they felt rich, but I have a hunch they were also comfortable.

I'm not rich. Like, hella not rich. Not comfortable either. I'm more like creatively holding it together somehow. At the same time, I make more than ever before, I have more than I've ever had, and I feel safe in regards to keeping a pretty good roof over my head all by my lonesome, good food in my fridge, and the delivery folks definitely know their way to my door. Whereas I used to brag about how cheap my entire outfit was, (thanks to the thrifting and hand me downs, I could slay a nearly free fit), some of my key pieces now are unapologetically pricey. For instance, while I got my CK frames for a steal, I did get flustered at an expensive optometrist and agreed to way overpay on the lenses, making them the most expensive thing I own. Basically, my glasses are to me as cars are to most adults.

Oh, I'm in debt. And I don't even have any fancy school papers to justify it; just the cost of my living, and the trinkets I’ve bought (and continued to buy) on this human trip. But the quality of the life I live, and the trinkets I prefer has improved over the years. I've learned that cheap tea tastes like water, which chicken fingers are the best, and which spices are worth spending more on. I suppose I developed standards, and that in itself is an indication that I've leveled up.

But the economy, and the price of groceries! Yes, that's all true, and the whole thing is a shit show. The situation across the board (the globe; it's not flat, dumbasses, it's just a figure of speech), is not at all ideal. I have a sneaking suspicion that if we could ever agree on what ideal is, we could in fact achieve it. Until then though, we have these tiny pockets of fine and definitely not fine, and very little control over anything beyond our arms reach. Still, with full tribute to Ram Dass, I am here, now, and these are the parameters I'm working within.

The rent I pay now would've gotten me some pretty snazzy digs even 10 years ago. But I will not starve, and while I'm not comfortable, I do find comfort in that. I no longer flinch when I buy an extravagantly priced coffee, and when I'm drinking soda at my favorite bar, I feel like a queen knowing I can tip 50% of my bill. (Ok, that last might just be a sobriety bonus, as a non-alcoholic bar bill of a couple of cokes is a great relief after the cost of “keep ‘em coming” boozy drinks. Still, it feels bougie AF, and I relish it.)

Is this an essay about how I've grown complacent in a financial crisis? How I've settled for what I have because more seems unattainable? Sure, in a way. But it's also about gratitude, growth, and the stability that comes from knowing that right now (and for the foreseeable future, barring catastrophe *knocks on wood, poo poo poos the evil eye), I'm ok. There's comfort to be found in ok. There's pride in looking back and seeing how far I've come; how in my 20s I was more than once the primary breadwinner in a couple trying to stretch $250 a week, and now my boots cost more than that. (The “Vimes Boot Analogy” presented in Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels lives on my head rent free, and I'm grateful to finally be on the right side of it.)

If you're reading this, you have Internet access. You are probably reading this somewhere warm. If you so choose, you could be reading this with a nice cup of tea, the cheapest of classy drinks, and the classiest of cheap bevvies. At a time when political rhetoric has spilled into the public sphere, where our once reliable social net is letting people drop through like flies, and we've sadly grown accustomed to tent villages, maybe, just maybe, being just alright is a small victory. Or at the very least, it deserves some credit. Because each of us has come some distance along our individual paths. We’ve gained some skills along the way that let us perform kitchen magick as we whip cheap things into nice meals, or thrift magick where we can make a nice outfit on a shoestring budget. We've learned to barter and trade, we've learned about our real needs as well as our personal priorities. And while we all want more, now seems like the right time to take a minute to bask in what we already have. I have a hunch that's the crux of the thing. Framed that way, I really am comfortable; and I feel blessed for it.

BUY LOCAL

‘Tis the season to be shopping, so I know your wallet’s already out. While many of us are trying to keep our bucks this side of the border, allow me to propose we keep some of that green on the island. Buy at least one thing made in Montreal by a Montrealer. Hell, but something from someone's name you know. When you buy something artisanal and local, you're actually giving two gifts at once, and that's double the bang for your buck!

Make a profile post asking your social connections to drop their shops and services in the comments, and I bet you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find who’s doing wonderful things. That's what I did! Here are a couple of folks I know personally doing awesome things you and yours might enjoy!

Craft de Ville’s got your crafting needs covered, and your crafty friend’s gifts on lock. From beads and findings to fabric, workshops, and vintage buttons, you’ll find what you're looking for, and probably some extras along the way. Both brick and mortar and online, you can shop from your couch or go look and touch stuff. The chick who runs it is super fab, and basically my sister-in-law now, so go spend! Website's right here. IRL shop is @ 2065 Rue Parthenais #274A, Montreal, H2K 3T1 - Buzz #557.

Le Ciel Parfum does what no one else does: they help you create the signature scent of your dreams! It's run by a lovely lady (and one of my dearest friends) with an apothecary style collection of high quality perfume oils. Note by note she’ll walk you through, helping you build the scent-phony you're after. She does parties from weddings to corporate to tween birthdays, plus one on one meetings. You can even ask for a surprise, and with a few simple questions, she’ll bottle the vision you didn't even know you had. She's a total pro, and I'm always awed by the creations that come out of these sessions. Got a perfume nerd on your shopping list? Get them a gift certificate for a totally unique experience! Website's right here.

TALES & TAILS

Snow White, Red Riding Hood, Tinkerbell, The Big Bad Wolf and The Little Mermaid are going on an adventure! Watch them roll the dice, act out success, or lose some clothes in a failed attempt! Fans of D&D shouldn't miss this authentic improv LARP meets Burlesque on stage. Featuring Crimson Duchess, Eldritch Mor, Jimmy Phule, Kinky Karma, Quinzy Chase, and Zyra Lee Vanity.

WHAT: Fairy Tales RBG Burlesque

WHERE: Café Cleopatra, 1230 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2X 2S5

WHEN: Friday, December 5 @ 8 PM

METRO: Saint-Laurent (Green)

DETAILS: Facebook

A NIGHT OF MUSIC

Join the celebration to launch Naghmeh’s new single Étoile filante with special guest Naomi SV.

Naghmeh is an Iranian-Canadian singer-songwriter based in Montreal. Singing in English, French, and Farsi, Naghmeh bridges language barriers and weaves cultural connections with diverse audiences through the magic of folk music. If the Talking Heads and Patti Smith had a love child, and that kid grew up listening to Metallica in Iran, it would probably sound like Naghmeh.

Self-taught harpist with a velvet voice, Naomi SV blends elements of baroque pop, folk and prog. Storytelling is at the heart of her songwriting, as she slips in and out of various characters and narrators. In addition to her prolific YouTube harp channel and four collections of harp covers, she released her first album Timescape in 2025.

Naghmeh will be accompanied by a full band, while Naomi will offer a solo set on harp and keys.

WHAT: Naghmeh & Naomi SV au Bar de Courcelle

WHERE: Bar de Courcelle, 4677 Rue Notre-Dame St. W., Montreal, H4C 1S7

WHEN: Friday, December 5, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM

METRO: Place-Saint-Henri (Orange)

TICKETS: ThePointOfSale

READ LOCAL

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐜 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟎! Celebrate this milestone year with special events, author signings, and the latest releases from Canadian writers and publishers.

Produced by the Association of English-language Publishers of Quebec (AELAQ), the Fair celebrates the vibrancy of English-language writing, publishing, and translation in Quebec. In honour of the tenth anniversary, this year’s Fair will, for the first time, welcome publishers from across Canada.

Taking place in the historic Casa d’Italia, the Fair will present a full weekend of programming, including a discussion between 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐎’𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥 about their new collaborative book Valentine, set in Montreal. Comic fans and those looking to discover the city’s beloved bédéistes will enjoy Art and Life in Graphic Novels with 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞, 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐝 and 𝐃. 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐝. Meanwhile, find your next dinner table discussion topic at our 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 round, where authors such as 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐫 will demystify their research and share the passion inspiring their work. For writers looking to pitch a book idea, we’re hosting the fair’s first ever 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝-𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬, where up-and-coming and seasoned wordsmiths will have the opportunity to deliver their pitches directly to publishers.

The Fair will offer plenty of fun for young booklovers in a 𝐜𝐨𝐳𝐲, 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤-𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬’ 𝐍𝐨𝐨𝐤 both days, and a special reading and guided yoga practice for children with author 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐊𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 on Saturday afternoon. Other programming highlights include a panel discussion hosted by Italian community archivist 𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢, and a showcase of publisher 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬’ latest Quebec authors and releases.

Stick around for our 𝟓 à 𝟕 opening cocktail on Saturday for delicious hors d’oeuvres and a chance to connect with Montreal’s vibrant literary community, with a special 10th Anniversary High Fidelity DJ set with local journalist and author 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲.

WHAT: Read Quebec Book Fair 2025

WHERE: Casa d’Italia, 505 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal, QC H2R 1T6

WHEN: Saturday, December 6, From 11 AM to 7 PM, Sunday, December 7, From 11 AM to 5 PM

METRO: Jean-Talon (Orange & Blue)

DETAILS: ReadQuebec

YOU’VE BEEN ASKING ME ABOUT THIS!

Montreal’s art scene would be nothing without the loft ecosystem that’s supported the most ground level and underground art this city has seen. From artist’s live-in studios to rehearsal spaces to DIY venues, Montreal’s collection of loft spaces has supported the artistic community for decades. Sure, the city’s current political situation, from the war on nightlife to the affordable housing problem, has changed the landscape of Loft Life, but it’s not dead. Not yet.

The Halbro Building, aka 10 Pine West, is a testament to this resilience. Originally a textile factory, the building was converted to lofts in the 1980’s. Since then, the building has served as the home for individual artists, circus collectives, dance studios, underground venues, art galleries, yoga studios, even the headquarters for the Raeliens. Yes, the Raeliens.

Multidisciplinary artist Andrew Jamieson’s personal history is deeply rooted in 10 Pine West. Not only a previous resident, he has produced numerous events in the building, including his first immersive theatre production Lethal and Young, which premiered in 2016. The unit where the experience was produced is now known as LittleLoft, shepherded by Mike Hand. Jamieson then moved to another loft, just around the corner, at 3655 Saint Laurent, where he established 303LAB, a creative space and DIY venue. Here he developed the immersive theatre production Andrew Jamieson’s Who’s Afraid.

Jamieson’s work, from multidisciplinary events, venues, and performances to immersive theatre, has been described as “loft-based transgressivism”. It is with this spirit that you are invited to Andrew Jamieson’s Sleazy Christmas IV: The Immaculate Reception. Whether you remember, and yearn for the days of MTL loft parties, or you missed the ephemera entirely and long for that experience, this event is for you. In its fourth year, Sleazy Christmas has become both a seasonal tradition, and an important event for local arts magazine Forget The Box.

Forget The Box is Montreal’s most in-depth online arts magazine, covering ground level, underground, and marginalized art. FTB is the city’s only devoted Anglo arts publication, addressing the expansive void of coverage, providing MTL with vital arts journalism. This ambitious non-profit project is led by Jamieson himself, with an accomplished team featuring Candice Ann as Editor-in-Chief, Dawn McSweeney as Editor-at-Large, fundraisers Max Paster and Matthew Retino, Social Media Manager Shireen Aamir, and Treasurer Ashlan Phoenix Grey, and involves ever-growing pool of talented contributors.

All proceeds from The Immaculate Reception directly benefit Forget The Box, supporting its mission to cover and champion art in Montreal. As a fledgling not-for-profit organization, the Sleazy Christmas fundraiser is currently the single most important yearly event for the magazine. Your attendance and contributions ensure the continuation of Montreal’s newest arts institution, giving a permanent platform to the voices and artists who operate outside of the mainstream. Your support is a direct investment in the resilience and future of Montreal's arts community.

Join Andrew Jamieson, Dawn McSweeney (comedy), Tara McGowan-Ross (spoken word), Mina Minou (burlesque), and the FTB team in celebration of the holiday season and Montreal’s art scene. Sleazy Christmas is a true MTL holiday loft party, featuring legendary local artists and performers, a silent auction, and a 50/50 cash raffle. And most importantly: It's BYOB.

10$ Donation to Forget The Box

This is a mixer event, please feel free to arrive at your leisure, as performances will occur throughout the night.

WHAT: Andrew Jamieson’s Sleazy Christmas IV: The Immaculate Reception

WHERE: The Halbro Building, 10 Pine W., #415, Montreal, H2W 1P9

WHEN: Saturday, December 13, Doors @ 7 PM

METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)

TICKETS: Showpass

World’s Smallest Comedy Night has so many cool things happening, so here are their events this week in order!

What Do You Know? Like, Seriously…

Tonight! Come to Hurley's for Trivia Night, and get bonus laughter! Enjoy delicious pub fare, and get ready to show off your trivia skills. Grab your team, and enjoy this night of comedy, friendly competition, and great company!

This edition is hosted by Vance Michel!

WHAT: Trivia Night at Hurley's

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Every Wednesday @ 8 PM

METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)

DETAILS: Facebook

Classic Coke

Beat the Monday Blues with WSC’s OG offering, The World's Smallest Comedy Night!

Enjoy a showcase of the best comedians in the city, hot up-and-comers, national and international touring comics, and surprises!

Hosted by Vance Michel!

WHAT: The World's Smallest Comedy Night

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Every Monday, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM

METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)

TICKETS: Eventbrite

Dirty Monday

The Monday Night Dirty Mic is the place to be! Hosted by Vance Michel, every show is an unpredictable and unique experience as a hilarious collection of comedians from newbs to pros take the stage. See the best before anyone else, and catch seasoned locals doing their freshest funnies!

Comics: show-up, sign-up

WHAT: Monday Night Dirty Mic

WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1

WHEN: Every Monday, Sign-up @ 10 PM, Show @ 1030 PM

METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)

DETAILS: Facebook