I love it! To me it's got nothing to do with religion, but I find it a perfect time for a celebration! The days are getting longer, there's nice, clean snow covering up all the muck of autumn, my son comes home from school CLEAN, not muddy, and it's just plain nice!

I also find it a perfect time for nice indoor activities. It's too cold and dark to spend too much time outdoors, so why not spend the coldest, longest and darkest days making it nice for your friends and family?

I actually enjoy buying Christmas presents. I enjoy the frantic bustle of busy shops, Christmas decorations, lights and carols. I enjoy the anticipation of seeing my loved ones opening their gifts, not to mention opening my own. Mind you, I'm not rich or anything, and it's sometimes a bit of a burden financially, but what the heck, I like it!

I know a lot of people find it a nightmare. They dread the crazed spending of money, the demands for bigger and more expecive gifts. If they hate it that much, why do they go along with it then?!? Their kids won't love them anymore just because of expencive gifts! Kids won't learn to respect their parents just because they give them whatever they want. In my opinion, kids who get what they want are taught that their demanding ways are accepted. Parents with spoiled kids can blame themselves! They made them that way.

I refuse to let these people get to me. I LIKE Christmas. I like buying and receiving gifts, I enjoy decorating the house, eating wonderful food, and spending time with my son, watching the anticipation in his eyes.

To all the people I meet who try to convince me that Christmas is horrible, I have one thing to say: Let me keep my (childish) enthusiasm for the season! It won't harm them if I enjoy Christmas! But it would harm me if I were to dread it as much as they do!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Magpie