Yes, it’s that time of year again.  The Holidays.  Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy the holidays.  I just don’t like getting ready for them.

If one more person asks me if I’m “ready”, I think I’ll scream.

I know the economy is slow, and the retailers aren’t having a good season.  But, you couldn’t prove that from the traffic around shopping areas in my town.  It must be that just as many people are shopping, they’re just not spending as much.

Then, there’s my brother.  My parents had the audacity to deliver him on December 21st.  It’s difficult enough to think of one present for him.  But, every year, I have to think of two at once.  Definitely not fair.

And, think about all the service people who are away from home at the holidays.  That isn’t fair, either.  But, you know you can always help out:

• You can send a postcard to someone in the military.  Visit Let’s Say Thanks.  Xerox Corporation has set up this website where you can select a postcard from among designs created by children all across the country, and personalize it with your own greeting.  The postcards are then printed by Xerox and mailed in care packages sent to military personnel.
• You can send an e-mail.  Visit America Supports You. 
• You can send a card to a wounded soldier.  Just write to:
  • A Recovering American Soldier
    c/o Walter Reed Army Medical  Center
    6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
    Washington, DC 20307-5001

Two of the easy listening radio stations in Atlanta play Christmas music for the entire month of December.  A whole month!  Do they really think we want to listen to Christmas carols for 30 days?!?!?

So, the days leading up to Christmas aren’t my favorite.  But, I do like the holiday itself.  I like putting money in the Salvation Army bucket.  I like the traditions and the feelings of good will.  I’m working on a way to get that good will stuff to last all year around.

This year, I’m going to celebrate Christmas with a couple of small children.  That will really bring the Santa Claus magic into sharp focus. 

So, if I can just get through the next week, I’ll be loving that Silent Night!