Bah humbug

  Is it just me or is this really one of the grimmest Christmases ever seen? I’ve been keeping track of the neighbors’ Christmas displays, and I’ll bet only half as many who put up lights last year are doing it this year.
The stores are filled with shoppers, but no one seems to be buying anything. Business at the trolley joint where I work part-time has dropped to nothing and when there is a tour, no one tips.
I haven’t received — or sent, for that matter — one Christmas card. It’s as if the Grinch has grabbed hold of all of us.
It would be easy to blame the entire situation on the economy. After all, we have gas prices that never get too far away from the $3 mark, houses in foreclosure, credit card rates on the rise.
But if we’re letting fear of the future hold us back, we really are short-sighted. Some of the best things in life truly are free, and would make a tremendous difference in this lackluster holiday season.
Such as greeting people and giving them holiday well-wishes. Remembering the less fortunate, especially now that the economy is down. If everyone dropped a dollar, just a dollar, into those Salvation Army kettles, what a difference it would make.
So now I’m going to take a dose of my own medicine and wish you all a delightful Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Kwanzaa, Happy New Year, or whatever else floats your boat. Just smile! It will be better again some day.

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