Indeed, Patsy. It's about family. It's about celebrating the harvest and the coming renewal. I take absolute joy in "giving" a spirit of hapiness and wonder to children in the form of "gifts" and have always tried to keep such gifts simple but surprising. But I absolutely abhor getting gifts from other adults or giving other adults gifts. The true gift is simply being together... and taking joy in watching the kiddies enjoy it, even tho that isn't what it's really about but that's a "fun" that I wouldn't trade.

If I get another set of sheets or towels or another sweater or... or... anything else I end up giving to the Red Cross again this year, that's it. I shall say thank you and wait a month or so and inform everyone that, next year, they ain't gettin anything from me. The kids, yeah... I'll spend all of the money I can spare on them but if yer over 18, don't get anything for me except a donation in my name to the local Children's Hospital.

Is that BAH, Humbug?