It's the week before Christmas, and all through my house.....

A lot of creatures are stirring, though I certainly hope that mice aren't among them. We're having an awful lot of fun, getting things finished up and doing some holiday baking. It's the first Christmas we've had a kitchen large enough to do anything on a large scale.

A friend of mine thought it was really neat that I spent my holidays this way. Like a lot of my friends she expressed disdain at how commercialized Christmas has become. We've purchased our share of Christmas presents (and once the charge card cools down will probably buy some more); we just do some extra things. Family is important to us. Why say Christmas is over commercialized and then participate in it? Aren't you then becoming part of the problem? Stores sell things. It's their business. So, if they see an opportunity to sell more merchandise and they take that opportunity are we to hold them responsible?

I think not.

Christmas is not a day, it is a frame of mind. So says Santa Claus in the movie "Miracle on 34th Street" (the real one, not the rather horrendous remake). We need to take a hint from the stores and take an opportunity that is presented to us.

Whether you celebrate this season because you believe The Savior Jesus Christ was born, or celebrate the miracle of the Hanukah oil, or simply enjoy the spirit of the season it shouldn't matter. Use the spirit of the season to patch up old quarrels, make new friends or just help someone out that you wouldn't ordinarily. Take a moment to notice the people around you that have helped you. Realize that, sometimes, people do things simply because they like feeling good for doing them; not everyone has a hidden agenda.

You may find that you like it. And, like Scrooge, decide to keep Christmas in your heart year round. Not such a bad thing, is it?

Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Comments? Drop me a line.

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