Well another Thanksgiving is behind us, and I for one, am thankful for that even though we had a wonderful time with our family. But now, I hope not to have to eat turkey (never a favorite) again for another year. And now, on to the Christmas season, if not yet begun in your house, certainly has begun in all the stores around the country. And this year is especially compelling; to get out there and get those bargains! This year, if you are paying full price for ANYTHING, it is too much. Sad for the economy, but equally sad for the true meaning of Christmas which I guess has been lost for some time now to the Almighty dollar. There are "pockets" of "holdouts" but this seems to be rare in this ever consumer driven culture we live in. Ah, bah humbug, I say as I sit wondering if I can muster the energy one more year to get out there and be a shopper. Last year, I made a list for myself to help me keep sane as I went from place to place looking for that perfect gift. It helped me to keep some of these things in mind.

1. Stay calm; don't run anyone over either on the road or in the stores.
2. Stay out of malls; they are hazardous to your health, and your wallet.
3. If you hear the same Christmas song on the radio or in a store that you have already heard, change the station or leave the store. On the other hand, if you find yourself singing along, knowing all the words, enjoy the moment.
4. Remember to have some fun, and good cheer every day, perhaps in the form of a good glass of wine.
5. Light candles somewhere in the house every day to remind yourself of the true meaning of Christmas...(the light of the world and all that.)
6. Don't feel guilty without a fresh cut tree to decorate. In our house, this caused the greatest amount of anxt with, which tree to choose; getting it into the stand (strait); putting lights on after hours of unraveling them; getting under the tree every few days to water, and finally dragging it out after Christmas leaving a trail of pine needles to clean up. Go for the store bought one that comes with lights already on it.
7. Don't give too much to the "grands," and spoil them; their parents are already doing that.
8. Smile at people as you go about your errands; remember this is a time of "good cheer," and you just might help someone make it one more day.
9. Give away far more than you get by way of helping those who have less than you do. This is the greatest gift to yourself you will ever give.
10. Take time to remember family Christmases gone by, remembering the people who make them so wonderful and who may now be gone.