[geeks] Halloween

[wa2egp at att.net]

> 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.

Sounds like good advice.  My first dislike of Christmas was when my birthday
(in December) was "the day we get the tree".  My dilike was intensified by
working retail during the season and especially on Christmas Eve.  Thnaksgiving
has become a holiday of preparing to get to bed early so you can
get on the friggin' line at <insert store name here> at 5:30 the next day
to get a jump on Christmas shopping!