It is also coming to that time of year-you know what I’m talking about. Yep, Santa Claus! That time of year when everyone is in a big hurry to get the best deals (nothing wrong with that-just don’t mace the people that are in front of you), when people are trying to figure out what to get who, what to make for the meal Christmas Eve and then the BIG meal Christmas Day. And it’s all done in one day. We have this crazy living the couple of months before Christmas and then it’s here.

And talk about Black Friday! Did you read all the accounts-hence the mace comment above? People were actually hurt because other people had to get that last toy. Says quite a bit about Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward men.

Isn’t this time the time of year for giving? For the caring of what happens to our fellow man? Remember years ago, people would open up their homes for those that didn’t have as much. We did what we could to help those less fortunate. Remember all those drives for underprivileged kids for toys? Toys for tots? You still see some, but nothing like it was years ago. When did we become a society that stopped caring about one another?

This year, I don’t have a lot of money to do Christmas. So, this year, I’ll give my time to my kids and my parents. Need a babysitter for the next year-sure-call me, need me to come over and take care of you when you don’t feel good, okay-I’m there. Don’t have a ride, sure. Doesn’t sound like much, but just think what savings it will be for them. My folks? I’ll cook for them. I know what they like and will share what little we have with them.

Giving doesn’t always mean spending thousands of dollars on family just to make sure you got them everything they wanted. Sometimes it’s a matter of giving them what they need. Yes, it is a shock when that happens. The first year my parents didn’t go all out surprised me. But the gift I was given that year and all the years afterwards was the greatest gift of all. Spending time with them-not just at Christmas, but all year.

We never know when God is going to call someone home-yes I know it’s a bit morbid for this time of year, but it’s true. The greatest gift I now have is the fact that I still have very loving parents. So this time of year, I thank God every day that he is still letting me have them. I hope to have them till they’re 100!

So, next time you’re on the way to the mall, stop and think about what this time of year truly means. Stop and give thanks for loved ones-here and gone. And maybe think about what you can do for them that would help them.

And don’t forget to look for that slow rain-maybe we’ll have some for Christmas day!

Till next time.