Giving Santa the Bum's Rush

Two weeks before Christmas and in my little patch of the retail universe, it's already a fete accompli.

Yesterday I went into two sizeable retail establishments (let's not be coy, I'm talking about you: Home Depot and Kmart) expecting a wonderland of lit trees, garlands, ornaments...all the fa la la my holiday heart desired.  And what to my wondering eyes did appear???  NADA.  Remnants.  Heaped in bins, tossed on shelves festooned with sale stickers.  Ghosts of Christmas not yet past.  Instead of tinsel and holly there were barbeque grills (Home Depot) and Valentine pink bears (Kmart).  Move along, move along.  Nothing festive to see here.  Santa has left the building.

I left each store feeling bereft.  Did I sleep through it all?  Had Christmas come and gone without my knowing?

I yearn for the time when retail was in sync with the calendar.  Giving Santa the bum's rush two weeks before Christmas is just wrong and deserves a lump of coal.

Penny Pincher

Nix the Grinch

Some people are so besotted with their own whining that they wouldn't recognize happiness if it bit them on the butt.  As the holidays approach, they spread joylessness in a manner that makes Scrooge look like a wannabe.   These people are not allowed to cross my threshold.  Grinches be gone!

I look forward to the holidays every year.  My halls are decked with favorites from the past, the only new to me items this year are two snowball votive candle holders - a $2.00 charity shop purchase.  This week I baked shortbread sprinkled with colored sugar, froze a batch of peppermint stick ice cream, and tonight will welcome friends with cranberry champagne cocktails and baked brie when they come to view my decorations.

What these friends bring to me are glad hearts and warm smiles.   Welcome gifts, especially at this time of year.

However you celebrate the holidays, may you be filled with joy; and to all, a New Year of peace and prosperity.

Penny Pincher