Bah Humbug

Mix 96.5 has already begun playing their full-time rotation of Christmas and "Holiday" tunes to carry us through the end of the year. Fleece sweater-clad models are popping up in ads all over the airwaves singing a chorus of, "BUY! BUY! BUY!"

"Make this the most memorable Christmas ever," they say... when we all know that we probably aren't going to remember who got what for whom and who gave me all this crud that I can't possibly use, because - frankly - it's junk. I abhor what this holiday has become!

A few years ago I decided that I wanted no part in this commercialized Christmas to which so many of us cleave. Primarily, I decided that gift-giving is for children only. Additionally, I asked that family and friends not purchase gifts for me in the name of this gluttonous holiday. Miss Maddie has spent several years without a Christmas tree, without popcorn and cranberries strung together, without any typical traditions. But don't feel too sorry for her. Like Jesus - whose birth we're supposed to be celebrating - Maddie will be adorned with the finest gifts from afar by the Three Wisewomen, a.k.a. - Grandma W., Grandma P. and Nana.

However, I have recently chosen to try and appreciate the holiday - to renew my sense of "Christmas Cheer" (that's a drink, right? I think I'll need a few). I've asked Mike, who absolutely adores this holiday, to help me with creating an atmosphere in my home (and maybe my heart) that will incubate joyful feelings of peace and goodwill... and glad tidings...

Bring it on...