Obligatory first Xmas post

It’s November 28 and SantaClaus.com says there are “approximately 24 days left till Christmas 2002.” Hmm. Well, I guess allowances can be made because he’s a jolly old elf…

But Santa.com is right on top of things, owned and operated by CatalogCity as it is. And Christmas.com is all about the shopping too.

Who’s with me when I say that I think the Christmas decorations should stay out of sight till at the very least November 25th? No word of a lie- I saw the decorations creeping up from the edges of the department stores more than a week before Hallowe’en. *sigh*

One solid month is reasonable, I think. Problem is that the last quarter is equal to revenue for most of the other three, so you can’t really blame retailers for squeezing all the mileage they can out of it.

I get depressed really quickly when various groups complain that Christmas isn’t their holiday and we shouldn’t expect them to get with the scene. Well, I won’t then, but you’re sure missing out. I don’t attach any religious significance to the season at all. I don’t need it and never have. That’s not what Christmas is about, for me (in spite of the name, yes. As far as I’m concerned you can call it galamoonbeelumphanooglysun… go on, I dare ya).

It’s my favourite time of year, and I don’t mind admitting that part of it is the loot. It’s fun buying prezzies for people. It’s fun discovering new treasures from people that love you.

That’s the key, kids. I can honestly say that the best part about this time of year is the love. The cheer. The getting together. People make the effort to get in touch. Best friends go out of their way to make each other feel appreciated. I’ll spend the next month remembering how lucky I am, and spreading that general sense of contentment all around. If we need a raison d’etre, let this be it.

It’s all about the love, baybeez. Make sure you appreciate it while you can.