Veterans' Day

It's pleasant to have a day off, and to be able to take advantage of the Holiday sales or simply sit around eating Cheese Doodles in your underwear. It might be nice, though, to take a minute and remember the men & women who have made it possible for you to take advantage of the Holiday sales and/or sit around in your underwear eating Cheese Doodles.

It's Beginning to SOUND a Lot Like Christmas!

Don't get me wrong, I love the Christmas season. I love everything about it: The TV specials, the decorations, getting together with your nearest and not-so-dearest, the feeling of somewhat goodwill, not being able to find a parking space at the mall, and of course, the presents.

What I really dislike, however, is how our modern day culture starts cramming it down our throats way too early. I have not even finished eating all the candy our kids got for Halloween, and already 3 local radio stations have begun playing Christmas music 24/7! I love the tune, "Dominic the Christmas Donkey" as much as anyone, but it's hard to enjoy it when it's still 60 degrees outside.

I even think Perfect Wifey and I saw Christmas stuff up for sale at our local craft store in late August! (Why I was even in a craft store is a story for another day.)

Let's go back to the old days, where the "Holiday Season" started the day after Thanksgiving. Older readers will remember: you watched the Macy's parade on Turkey Day, then the the next day, the whole family went to the local shopping center to look at the holiday decor and visit the chronic alcoholic impersonating Santa Claus. Then you dutifully wrote a letter to Santa, with a detailed list of the various gifts you wished to receive. This letter was then deposited in the trash by your parents.

I would end with this rant with a plea to major retailers and media outlets to put a soft pedal on their big Christmas push, but I know it will be to no avail. I'm sure we'll soon see Christmas sales in April.

So, let me be the first to say: HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!