After a couple of years working a seasonal second job at the local shopping mall, I have more sympathy now than ever before for folks who rely on the December rush for about half their annual income. Sure, it's a crazy custom that has diddly-squat to do with the religious aspects of Christmas and the other concurrent festivals, but it's part of the world we live in, and so be it.

I've been glad to participate, making some extra money and having lots of fun portraying Santa Claus.

Being of modest means, my family and I are pretty small-time buyers/givers/recipients of gifts. Since the kids have grown, they expect and get less than they were starry-eyed Santa believers. What we find most important is simply being together, plus of course eating and drinking BIG TIME!