People who behave as protoplasmic roadblocks in isles are even lesser shoppers. They don't know what's out there, that's why they wander in stores like Alice in Wonderland. I go to shopping in June in dollar stores, just to see what's new. By the time July rolls around, my lists are prepared, the names named and vectorrially connected with gifts. I also make notes of secondary and terciary gift-targets for each person, in case the first and in case even the second gift-target is unavailable.

But some other people don't know how to do this, because they abhore the hore of shopping that they only step in a store once a year. And that may be taunting and overwhelming, I hope you can see that. Everything is shiny and wrapped in a big carbon footstep. Choices! Deals! Markdowns! Pants downs! Hands downs! You and I can't get around these stores, so please try to imagine what it must be for a shopper who has to examine every item for fitness of use.

I have patience for these people, for they will inherit the earth. We must do our shopping in July, or perish in the bottomless pit of holiday-shopping hell.

Hate .........people who take their half out of the middle, no matter what it is.

Exchanging Christmas gifts

We have many recorded events in history that show the giving and receiving of gifts dates back at least to the 4th century. St. Nicholas, a Christian Bishop, was known for his generosity in giving to those less fortunate than he, as well as giving to children of all backgrounds simply because he felt they needed to savor their childrood, and have joyous times to remember (contrary to the beliefs of that time, which would suggest that boys even as young as 8 be sent to work to help earn income for thier families and girls as young as 5 to help their mothers with the housework and meal preparation). THe most common gift given were homemade foods and sweets, oranges (this was a huge treat due to the fact they were very rare), handcrafted gifts such as socks, sweaters, dresses, nightgowns, blankets, tables, chairs, and other handmade useful items. This tradition began with St. Nicholas in Turkey. It moved throughout the world very quickly, and before the 10th century is is supposed that nearly every country was participating in this exchange.
However, many people believe that the tradition of gift giving started in the year of our Lord within the first year of Christ's birth as the 3 wise men/kings brought offerings to honor him.
Most people who exchange gifts at Christmas are very sincere and wanting to be kind and generous. However, it is good to point out the real roots of Christmas gift-giving. Persons can then make informed decisions about their participation.

Informed people realize that December 25 is not the day Jesus Christ was born. The New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges: "The date of Christ's birth is not known. The Gospels indicate neither the day nor the month."

Further, it is well documented that Christmas and its customs were adopted from non-Christian sources. U.S. Catholic, in fact, said: "It is impossible to separate Christmas from its pagan origins."

The Encyclopedia Americana explained: "Most of the customs now associated with Christmas were not originally Christmas customs but rather were pre-Christian and non-Christian customs taken up by the Christian church. Saturnalia, a Roman feast celebrated in mid-December, provided the model for many of the merry-making customs of Christmas. From this celebration, for example, were derived the elaborate feasting, the giving of gifts, and the burning of candles."

My children and I open little token gifts on Christmas day.I pre order from the stores online(saves waiting in a queue) I always make a fuss for my daughter's birthday which is on Christmas Eve,this year she turns 21.

For her birthday this year my son and I furnished her entire apartment (her first) so that she has something to open on her birthday we bought her a beautiful set of jewelry.

I tend to stay away from the madness of Christmas shopping.I do get cross when I see people leaving pushchairs (strollers) unattended complete with crying child onboard and wander off to join the throng at the 'bargain' bucket.