"Dashing through the snow..."

"Frosty the snow man...", "Jingle bells, jingle bells...", "I'll be home for Christmas...", 'tis the season folks. The decorations are going up, the lights are being lit, the gifts are being bought and "Jack Frost is nipping at you nose".
I was driving to work today and checking out the store fronts as we crawled along at an amazing 10 kph. The trees are trimmed and lit, the ads are up promoting all the wonderful things you need to buy for your loved one/friend/other. My co-pilot and I were discussing the commercialization of the season, something that was once just a very religious time, is now all about how much you spend for each person on your list. He/she who has the largest credit card bill is the loser.. uh, I mean 'winner' - yeah...
Since my sister and I just bought our home, a year and a few months ago, we've always been super careful with our spending habits. Christmas is no excuse for us to go ballistic and rack up the debt. We buy for our parents and those closest to us, nothing super expensive, but just something to let them know we love them and are thinking of them. A token of our appreciation - if you will. The family, and friends, all understand where we're coming from. At one time or another they've all been in the same financial crunch. With today's economy and the price of the simplest things, unless you want to go to debtors prison, you have to be more aware of what you're spending and on what.
Now, I could go into my previous rant again, about today's youth and their lack of responsibility, but I won't. You in the back, stop clapping damn it! It wasn't that bad... anyway, not much else kicking around on the brain. So.. catch you on the flip side - Cheers!