Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas is an important tradition in my family, from the spiritual focus of the holy event celebrated by Christians around the world to the family traditions of gathering together in loving, piece, joy, and sharing.

Both Mom and Dad had important memories of Christmas in their family and we brought it into our family, too.  As a child, I remember having Caroling parties at my home for my friends, the awe inspiring activities in the church, especially the midnight services, the Christmas tree, and, above all, the sense of togetherness and love.

Tied closely to the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas follows the longest night in the year.  In cold climates, under clear conditions (different from what would have been experienced in Bethlehem at the actual birth of Jesus Christ) the stars appear closer to the earth and there is a stillness and peace that we can be aware of.  It's cold outside and we appreciate the warmth of being together in front of a blazing fire in a hearth.

Our modern society seems to move at an ever increasing pace, with Internet and social networks abounding.  At the same time, these powerful connections between people and, for those with faith, in terms of Spirit, make our world and our lives a richer place.

I am a follower of Christ and find Him in my heart--every day and especially today. 

I love the traditions of Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus) and appreciate the good that flows abundantly in all sorts of ways as people are inspired by the Christmas Spirit.

Christmas is a good time to reflect and to give thanks for all the blessings we experience on a daily basis.  I am certainly thankful and look at all of the Christmases I have experienced so far as a series of blessings in my life.

I feel especially blessed to be able to share it with family and friends.

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas, Holidays, and eCard Reminders

This year I subscribed to BlueMountain e-cards and am sending most of my Christmas cards--and the other cards I send throughout the year--through that service.  They have some wonderful interactive cards for anyone on e-mail.  (Most of the people on my mailing list are on e-mail.)

Here's a link to one of my favorite Christmas cards this year--for the readers of this blog.

It's nice to be able to send friends and families cards to remind them that we're thinking of them and e-cards are a great way for me to do that.  For a few family members who won't make the family gathering this year (several cousins get together in the Wheaton, IL, area and my Mom joins us), I've also sent a one-month subscription to Netflix.

These little reminders are wonderful ways to treat and inspire without breaking the bank or paying lots for very little.  I appreciate the vendors for their service, too.

Black Friday--Start of "Official" Christmas Shopping Season in the USA

"Black Friday"--the "official" starting date of the Christmas Shopping season in the USA is the day after Thanksgiving.  Retailers prepare for that date because, historically, sales on that date put the retailers "in the black" (on the positive side of the ledger) for the year--rather than being "in the red" (on the negative side of the ledger).

With the economic downturn in the USA in 2009, retailers have been concerned.  Some opened on Thanksgiving and some have been pushing "Black Friday" sales earlier than the official "Black Friday" to make sure consumers bought merchandise in their stores rather than finding them somewhere else.

Shoppers participate fully in the event, sometimes camping out in the parking lots before major retailers until they open their doors at special hours set aside for "Black Friday" shopping.  Smaller amounts of merchandise on special sales are expected to be made available this year, making the competition to get the desired product at the best price even keener among consumers.

Though many items may be on sale, many consumers, experiencing the economic downturn directly, may not be in a position to take advantage of the sale prices until their personal economies become more stable--putting the consumers "in the black" in their own ledger books.

I didn't shop today, though I was in and around shopping areas.  I did not see the crowds the media had led me to expect and it was a beautiful, sunny, day--a little cool (good to be indoors) with little traffic congestion  on the roads.

I shop online for many things and go to discount stores and membership shopping clubs (Sam's Club and Costco) for many of the things I purchase for gifts and for personal use.  I'm not rushing to spend money this year and my gift budget will be for smaller items than in prior years.  "Quality over quantity this year" is a good perspective to have.

I did hear my first Christmas music for the year.  I'm glad I like the music because I'll be hearing it until December 26th, 2009.