Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Christmas, Love or Commercialism

Well black Friday done and over with, we hear lots of horror stories of people getting hurt and acting crazy. With the crazy bills racking up and the stories of the people requesting more expensive gifts. Is Christmas about love or commercialism?

In my opinion Christmas in only commercialism if the families allow to be. Christmas gifts are nice, but it is not the main focus of Christmas. Christmas is about being nice, be kind to everyone you meet, being with friends and family, and remembrance of God and Jesus. Regardless of the a person's religious belief, Christmas is about good.

TV Commercials for black Friday left me in shock. One showed a person reaching into another person's cart for gift. When people see this they think it happens all the time. For some, it may validate that this behavior is acceptable, when it is not.

The cost of Christmas should fit in your budget and be determined by you. If someone wish list doesn't fit in your budget, then pick something else that does. If you just don't have the funds for gifts, then give Christmas by giving time and/or helping. Being with family on Christmas (no matter if it Christmas day or a Christmas party) is the best gift of all.

Many people are loosing the focus on Christmas and missing that Christmas spirit. Christmas spirit is found in love, kindness, and giving. Giving doesn't have to be money.

Don't let commercialism ruin Christmas. Stay within your budget, show love and kindness, and enjoy Christmas.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Christmas Cookie Exchange Party

Cookie Exchange Parties are a wonderful way to get a nice varity of cookies for Christmas. Basically the cookie exchange party works great when you bake five dozen cookies. Then you keep one dozen and get with four friends and swap cookies. You get their yummy cookies and they get yours.

This is also a good time to pull out any craft holiday item you may make and make some extra cash. Some people take kitchen towel and pot holder, sew them together with a button so the towel can be easily hung on the over door and not fall off. Its a win / win situation. An exchange of cookies and a chance to sell your Christmas crafts.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Christmas Food / Food Safety

Thanksgiving is now behind us and we all ready getting ready for Christmas. Some lucky people, Me including this year, already have their Christmas shopping done. Others will be searching and rushing to find the perfect gifts. Although the Thanksgiving feast is behind us, the Christmas feast is yet to come.

The is one thing that is often forgotten as the family brings their favorite food together, food allergies. My mother has a problem eating onion, which can be a real problem. Often she will eat something without seeing the onion and ends us with stomach problem later. Family get together can quickly turning in to an awfully night with tummy troubles or worse yet an allergic reaction.

Family members should speak up if they have allergic reaction. Then the food that contains anything someone is allergic needs to be labeled so they know to stay away from that dish. As a host, it would also be a good idea to check with people and see if they have any food allergies. Benadryl should also be kept on hand in case of a reaction. The person my still need medical help, but the Benadryl will help.

My son is allergic to shellfish. While eating at a buffet, he started turning red and said he didn't feel good. He was eating pizza. I quickly got him Benadryl and a few minutes later he was all better. The pizza had shrimp in it. As time goes his allergic reaction seems to get worse with each oops of shellfish.

While enjoying the Christmas season, I hope everyone will have a wonderful and safe Christmas.