The holiday season is a time for giving gifts to our families. Over the long term, one of the greatest gifts anyone can ever give to their family members is to ensure they have a proper estate plan – so they know they will always be taken care of, no matter what happens. Over the next several issues of this newsletter, we’re going to take a deep dive into the topic of estate planning. For now, though, here’s a silly little poem in honour of the season to get you thinking about it:
’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Until out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
I dashed down the stairs; to the front door I ran
To see two little elves crying, “Our boss needs an estate plan!”
“And who is your boss?” I asked in great wonder
Thinking, perhaps, a dream’s spell I was under.
“Who is our boss?” the elves repeated, surprised
“He’s jolly! He’s old! He’s quite big in size!
“But despite his great girth, he’s lively and quick
“For our boss is none other than good ol’ St. Nick!”
“Santa?” I gasped, amazed and astounded
Truly I never felt quite so confounded
“How can I help him? What can Ido?”
“Come with us,” they said, “Santa would speak with you.”
On the back of a reindeer we flew far and wide
’Till, to my delight, a great workshop I spied
Then descending through clouds to the ground far below
I was greeted by Santa, booming “Ho, ho, ho!”
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
But his clothes were not yet tarnished with ashes and soot
In truth he looked worried, his face lined with great care
Knowing down south the children expected him there.
“How can I help you Santa?” I asked
“Christmas is coming, and it’s coming on fast!”
“Oh yes, I know,” said Kris Kringle to me
“But delivering toys is dangerously risky!”
“There are so many people who on me depend,
“To leave them a legacy is what I intend.
“But how do I do it? Where do I start?
“Your services, please, I beg you impart.”
So we got right down to it, creating a plan
And through most of the evening our planning did span.
We looked at his needs and we looked at his wants
I asked lots of questions, he gave his response.
First a will we created, so that Mrs. Claus
Would never be forced to fight probate laws
For the eight loyal reindeer, we created a trust
When it comes to philanthropy, a trust is a must.
To the elves we deeded the raw goods for toys
So they could still make them for good girls and boys.
Power of attorney, we handled that, too
And soon the whole picture came into view.
An Advanced Healthcare Directive is never much fun
But once Santa was finished he felt better at once
His eyes – how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry
With his estate planning done, he no longer felt wary.
“Now that it’s done, my great task I’ll resume
“Delivering toys without worry or gloom.
“That my legacy’s safe is a relief to know
“I wish I had done all this centuries ago!”
And laying a finger aside of his nose
He sprung to his sleigh as his reindeer then rose
With a nod and smile, to his team gave a whistle
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight –
“Thanks for your help! My spirit feels light!
“I knew creating an estate plan was right;
“Now Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
