The way I see it, the commercialism of Christmas gets worse each year. It seems there is so much pressure on people to get the right gift, or the right size, or the right whatever. Instead of a happy, peaceful time, Christmas becomes a very stressful time. My wife is one of the worst offenders. I try to tell her the gifts she has bought are fine, but she worries about it anyway. I believe, and always have, that most are happy with the gifts they receive. The thought behind the giving is more important than the actual gifts. Retailers add to the madness with all their sales gimmicks, including those 6:00 a.m. starting times so shoppers can that early sale. I learned many years ago never go Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving, or on weekends. The very best time to go to a mall is at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays, when most folks are shopped out from the weekend.
Enough about shopping! The real reason for celebration is the birth of Christ. I love the Christmas music, going to midnight mass, and wishing friends good tidings. I truly wish people would slow down, build a fire, drink a glass of wine, and enjoy the season. There are enough stresses in one’s life, and Christmas should not be one of them. I am very thankful that I live in America, and for those U.S. soldiers that are spending their holidays in faraway places around the world. Hopefully this will be their last Christmas away from their loved ones. Those of us here are the lucky ones, and my thoughts are with those who have friends and relatives abroad in the military.
May everyone have a peaceful Christmas, and enjoy the time you have with your families.

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