[geeks] Halloween

[Charles Shannon Hendrix]

On Sun, Nov 02, 2003 at 12:35:57PM -0600, Jonathan C. Patschke wrote:

> I've long since asked people to stop buying me Christmas presents.  Just
> having people over for a day, sitting around drinking cocoa means so
> much more than the fruits of standing around in malls for weeks.

Commercialism has ruined a lot of things, but there are ways to have fun
anyway.  Mostly:

* do more research than shopping
* buy gifts for local family and friends only
* send letters... it is cheaper, and means more anyway
* shop early
* if you must shop in the rush, stay focused: know exactly what
  you want, go get it, and come home without doing anything
  else
* arrange to meet with friends

The best Chrismas I've had recently was sitting in a pub with some
friends.  We listened to Irish and folk songs.  At midnight Amazing
Grace was played on highland pipes, and we sang some songs together
awhile.

I used to love Christmas, but a few years ago pretty much started hating
it.  Recently I've tried to just ignore the rush, and avoid most of it.

> I haven't been away from the house since Friday, but I'm willing to bet
> that all the Christmas decorations are already out at most of the stores.
> Buy!  Buy!  Buy!

What I hate too is how they start playing Christmas music, putting up
lights, and doing other stuff as early as November (now).  It runs the
whole thrill of any holiday to start so early.




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