Personally, I think every one needs a good mid-winter festival as an excuse to have fun, eat and drink something a little fancier than pork and beans, and get in touch with friends or relatives you may not have heard from for awhile. Call it whatever you like; I'm not particular.

Never did pass Consumerism 101. But I scored high in both Beginning and Advanced Recycling.

I acquire most of the gifts I give at yard sales, flea markets, consignment shops and antique shops. Except for the things I make. I don't spend a lot of money because I don't HAVE a lot of money and I don't buy stuff for the sake of buying stuff. Oh, and I buy CDs from folk musicians -- not big corporate empires and distribution systems. I design and produce my own greeting cards.

Besides, this time of year is the only time you can get commercial eggnog in the grocery stores. I LOVE commercial eggnog.

Just my 2¢ worth (cuz I can't afford much more than that -- I'm unemployed again and can't collect unemployment until after the first of the year).

Linn