A Good Holiday Season

I just finished watching the news and as I am every year, I was irritated to hear all the talk and prognostication about the upcoming "bad" or "disappointing" holiday season. I understand they were talking about the recent economic problems, which are very real and very scary. But I don't think that a holiday season should be measured by what is spent or purchased. Every year it seem there are nightly updates on the news about how "good" or "bad" the holiday season is, measured by the sales figures form the mall. Goodness knows I think the last thing anyone should be doing is getting in debt to have a "good" Christmas. 

But what if the measure was if we were thankful for what we have?

If we helped someone without being asked?

If we thanked the people we encounter everyday (check out clerks, teachers, secretary, tellers,fast food workers) and let them know how much we appreciate the job they do?

Made someone their favorite meal?

Remember someone forgotten?

A footrub?

I am of course talking about the secular aspects of the holiday season. I think aside from the religious celebrations, the holidays can be a special season and you don't need a lot of money to do this. 

I am looking forward to Christmas. I feel like I lost the fall the year and I am excited to be able to be more of a participant than I was this fall. I love making my annual Christmas cards and decorating the house.  I even think it is fun to come up with inexpensive but meaningful gifts for my family and friends.

Here's what I have come up with:

Personalized family calendar $18: snapfish

Dinner and a rousing game of apples to apples

"family favorites" cookbook or recipes

Really good coupons

Movie nights

Let's hear your ideas......