Hodgepodge

Linking up with Joyce for the Hodgepodge

1. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holiday season? What helps you keep your focus when the season’s busyness and commercialism start to take over? 

I do sometimes but I remind myself that many ¨things¨/events are commercialized- weddings, graduations, birthdays, other holidays, etc. To a certain extent, commercialization is a good thing. Buying presents, decor, cards and other bits and bobs helps merchants and those in the stores´ employ. Holiday events help restaurants and catering companies´ bottom line.  Local artisans and small business owners likely see an uptick in business during the holiday season. Thriving larger businesses in turn need accountants, managers, lawyers, administrators, executives, clerks, delivery drivers, etc. Those in businesses employ and those who make money on their own as business owners pay taxes which then fund the unemployed and public servants like teachers, city/county employees, firefighters, etc. 

One year at our town´s Christmas in Springboro event, we were chatting with a business owner whose business lines the street that the event is on. He told us that for many of the businesses, the money they make during the Christmas in Springboro weekend is equal to the amount of money that they make all other weekends in the year combined! So, yes, commercialization but also, helping keep the economy moving?

While our focus in life should never be on accumulation, owning ¨things¨ is part and parcel of the middle class social milieu and is an outgrowth of capitalism. Heaven knows under Communism, commercialization of anything is not really a thing because most people have no money with which to commercialize anything.

For me, I know that, yes, I buy a lot during this season. But I don´t spend more than I can afford and I know it´s only for a season. Being mindful of spending during the year makes splurging, very temporarily, not a bad thing, I don´t think. It´s fun to buy things for loved ones and to think of ways to make hosting and being a guest at a holiday function special. I say that, sure, as someone who is able to buy things without feeling a big pinch. When we had less ¨extra¨ money, we surely spent extra less! Speaking of less, this season is a perfect one for those of us who are fortunate to not struggle to be extra generous to help those who are struggling. 

Our social circle isn´t huge- we don´t get invited to a ton of parties and get togethers so I generally don´t feel overwhelmed with social obligations. 

I like to listen to Christian music. Classic Christian Christmas songs/hymns- so many have great lyrics that help me keep the reason for the season at the forefront of my mind. I don´t cease to read my Bible during the season. I feel like I´m always very aware of the true meaning even when I´m doing some frivolous task like decorating or gift wrapping. 

2. What's one small thing you want to savor before the year ends? 

The simple joy of a family meal or two together.

3. December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. Do you still send Christmas cards? If so does yours include a photo or is it a more traditional card, or maybe homemade? How do you feel about the tradition of exchanging cards at the holidays? If Hanukkah is the holiday you celebrate in December do you send cards to mark the occasion? 

I send cards some years but not every year. When I send them, I always send photo cards. I like the tradition of exchanging cards (though not enough, apparently, for me to send cards every year!). 

4. What's your least favorite holiday related task? What's your favorite? 

Cleaning the house for company :). Backing for company is my favorite.

5. Let's do a little holiday this or that? 

• shopping or wrapping
• baking or decorating
• eggnog or wassail- neither!!
• real tree or artificial
• turkey or ham- both!!
• white lights or colored lights- the ability to choose between both!!

I love being able to choose whether colored lights or white lights are displayed.

• ugly sweaters or matching pjs- I prefer the concept of matching pjs but the reality is that currently none of us have matching pjs.  I have a few fun ugly sweaters so I don´t know what color if any to make this text. 
• peppermint or cinnamon 
• presents Christmas Eve or presents Christmas Day

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I went to the eye doctor recently. The doctor told me that I have astigmatism in one eye. He said it wasn´t bad and that, ¨we´ll keep an eye on it.¨ I almost giggled. Then the lady who was checking me out had on sunglasses which I found really odd. I´m on Team Sunglasses outside- even in cloudy weather, I will don my sunglasses. So I have nothing against wearing sunglasses. But inside? That seemed so odd. And in an eye doctor´s office? Propriety kept me from inquiring why she was wearing them but I sure was curious!!