Christmas Spirit

I stopped celebrating Christmas several years ago. It just wasn't fun anymore. I still listened to the music, which I enjoy. We went around looking at Christmas lights, which I love. I baked a couple of Christmas treats.

Then, we moved to Madison, WI. So far I haven't seen any spectacular displays of Christmas lights. That could partially be due to the fact that I work nights, and am not out looking. But I think that it's not a big deal here. My love of Christmas music has been tested to the limit by having to listen to the piped in crap at work and every store I'm forced to enter during "the season". Christmas music is no longer on my list of things I enjoy.

Just to keep from slipping into a total Bah! Humbug! sort of holiday, I did get up and watch a couple of movies before work today. I enjoyed the computer generated version of "A Christmas Carol" and even tried to summon the proper Christmas Cheer. Realized I'd need spiked eggnog to achieve that, and I can't drink before work. I'd never be able to stay awake!

So, instead, I watched a second movie! (I LOVE Double Features) This is an oldie, but goodie and I totally enjoyed it.Made me realize that I want to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" to round out my Christmas movie trio. Will have to wait until tonight, after work. Then I can drink Hot Buttered Rum while a cry into my hankerchief.

God Bless Us, Everyone!

HoliDAZE SALEabrations

Christmas became a burden for me when I felt I had to purchase gifts for people when 1) I couldn't afford it 2) I had no idea what they wanted and/or needed 3) The pressure to buy something, anything caused so much stress I couldn't enjoy the process.

It took YEARS to wean people from the process of buying me gifts. I didn't even want to be included in name drawing gifts. Getting something produces a sense of obligation and I didn't want anymore of that, thank you very much.

Looking back, I realized that the last time I had enjoyed Christmas was the year I made my gifts. Sure I could do that again, but I'm short of time, energy and funds to buy the raw materials. So, I just say NO to the gift giving.

On the rare occasion that a gift is necessary: birthdays, anniversary, wedding presents, graduations, etc I find that I prefer to give the money to something that can make a difference. There are MANY organizations that will put your money to good use for those that really have less. Seva is one of them. www.seva.org
There is also a link on my blog for Changing the Present.
Google Charitable Gift Giving for any number of places that provide what people NEED.
Giving food, tools, educational prospects, clean water and food to people in need. I'm all over that.
After all, who do I know that really needs another pair of fuzzy slippers, or box of chocolates. I prefer to Give where it counts!

I'm Back

After a hiatus of several years, I've discovered I still have things to say/share, so I'm reactivating my blog.
I've discovered a couple of new interests, have experienced a couple of health/lifestyle changes, and just aging has changed my perspective.
So, look forward to my rants and raves in the days to come.