Festivities Begin!

First off, I saw several semi trucks hauling semi trucks this weekend while on the road for Thanksgiving. Every time I see this phenomenon I can't help but stare. It seems so unnatural and always reminds me of ladybugs copulating.

In other news, Thanksgiving was great. My parents and the fiance and I went over the mountains to his folks' house. We played cards, watched movies, had some great food, and enjoyed relaxing together. The parents get along and his mom even said that it was very nice to get to know my folks before the wedding.

Black Friday started at a quarter to five for the fiance, me, and my parents. We hit up the local Freddie's and a few other shops with the fiance acting as navigator and my folks the driving force of shopping frenzy. I scored some comfy socks and slippers and the fiance got the new electric razor he's been pining over for months.

I enjoy the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and I've never had a bad experience. When I go out all the folks are usually excited and well mannered, sharing in some mutual comradeship. And who can't enjoy free coffee and donuts at the local Freddie's?

The only fly in the ointment is the consumerism I see and the occasional panicked expression filled with desperation.

It's so sad to see the people completely focused on gift giving and forgetting the spirit of the season. Not only is it less satisfying and soulful to have a Christmas completely focused on gifts, it takes such a toll on the people "celebrating" through consumerism.

I see so many harried and stressed people worried about finding the right gift and finding the money to pay for it all. None of my favorite holiday memories are based upon gifts. Yes, my family has some fun times unwrapping gifts and getting lost in a sea of colorful wrapping paper but the meals and cooking together, playing games, watching holiday flicks and enjoying the company of those we love most are the best and most cherished memories I have of Christmases past.

It takes some effort to resist the wave of Christmas shopping bonanza that descends upon the country this time of year, but it is definitely worth the effort to save some stress and focus on what's most important during the holiday season.

Cherish those you love and the traditions you share. The perfect gift won't seem to matter as much because you'll realize you already have everything you need.