Santa Sells Out

Today, in a last minute frantic rush to get everything done, I realized we hadn't gone to see Santa yet. So, I packed up snacks, braved the new 2" of snow and set out for the mall. I have to say that I am proud of the fact that this was my first trip to the mall this season. However, when I got to the Santa line, I read a sign that said something to the effect of: "You can take pictures with your own camera, but we require a minimum picture purchase." WHAT?! I can't take my own freakin' pictures! Oh, but Ma'am, you can, you just have to buy our 4x6 picture for $15.00!!!!!!! Now, I'm usually not such a scrooge, but this just seemed like milking the public who is already strapped this season. I wanted to punch Santa's Little Helper in the nose! Okay. I feel better now. I didn't punch him in the nose.

What I did do is this. I took pictures of my kids everywhere in the whole Santa Menagerie except with him. I even took a solo picture of Santa! Maybe I can airbrush the kids in later? Merry Christmas!

Christmas Musing

In between reading and trying to keep the house clean with four people constantly trying to thwart me, I am taking lots of time to ponder the holidays. While out running errands tonight I heard a clip on the radio about some churches holding "Blue Christmas" masses because so many people become depressed and have difficulty around this time of year. These are apparently church services focused on healing and the stress and difficulty surrounding this time of year. Partially because of the stress, partially because of the shortened days, it seems this seasonal depression is quite common. I was so down yesterday (even though it was a snow day) that I thought something was wrong with me. Granted, we've had some not so great news come our way over the last week, but I know we'll get through it. We just have to tighten our belts and hunker down to ride out this recession like everyone else. I've been googling "positive thinking" and "happy thoughts" to try and keep my chin up. However, I seem to have lost my patience with everyone and the season. The commercialism has always gotten to me, but this year seems to be especially bad.

While I think I would be lonely for extended family if we did indeed hole up in a log cabin, it sure sounds like a great idea right now. But, then, why would I have more patience with everyone in a log cabin if I can't handle everyone underfoot at the present moment? The idyllic image I have in my head of all of us cozied up around a fire with hot chocolate is immediately blown out by the fact that we'd have to have a television, toys, fighting, etc. How to find peace in this season of giving?