Holiday Bliss or Miss?

Greetings, fellow shoppers and egg nog hogs:

Is it any wonder that millions of people have dark circles under their eyes and a snippy attitude? Everywhere we turn, we're encouraged to BUY... BUY... BUY!  Most of us don't have the resources to buy.  Some of us don't have the energy to even shop.

For me, the Christmas holiday is unique and wonderful.  I decided long ago that I would not succumb to the frantic financial pressure from shopkeepers.  My children receive money cards.  My grandchildren make out a list (HO, HO, HO) and I choose two things on those lists for each of them.  Friends receive gift cards, and distant acquaintances are sent a "Here's what's happened in my life this year" letter.

Festive, huh?  Well, actually, it is.  You see, once I removed the go-bankrupt-for-three-months scab that was peeled off yearly, I could enjoy the holidays and my family.  I don't worry about paying bills that will suddenly appear as if by magic in March or April.  I don't stress about what to get someone who doesn't want another cheese log.  I don't mess with mall traffic and fitty, tired shoppers.

This is a season to watch those wonderful movies and snuggle under blankets and sing Christmas songs with the people we love most.  So what if I've seen both versions of Miracle on 34th Street three dozen times?  Who cares if I cry every time Clarence gets his wings, or if I laugh when Tim Allen becomes Santa? These memories make me smile in July when I'm suffering through 50 days of 100+ temperatures.

So what is your fondest Christmas memory? No need to push it aside because you have to run and get a cheese log for Aunt Sylvia who said she wasn't coming to the family dinner, but now she is.  Put in a Carpenters Christmas CD, sing along, and share the joy of this season, even if it's just with yourself.

Merry Christmas, everyone - and yes, I said MERRY CHRISTMAS!