Projo Holidays Blog

November 28, 2007 Archives

I'm one of those people you hate.

I start Christmas shopping in the summer. I have most of my presents wrapped by Veterans Day (sick I know, but I don't think I can wrap, send Christmas cards and bake at the same time). I usually have my "early" holiday decorations up right after Thanksgiving and the tree is up the first Sunday in December.

But this year is different. I started a new job, scheduled an away vacation right before Thanksgiving (who does that?) and I just lost track of time.

So when you're under the proverbial holiday scheduling gun, how do you get to all this stuff and still maintain sanity? Or is that not an option? Do any of you normal people -- who are just starting to tackle your holiday list now-- have any advice?

Thanks.

The Humane Society of the United States urges everyone not to forget to give presents to our feathered and furried friends.

Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife for The HSUS, “Although wild animals are able to adapt to survive cold winter temperatures and food limitations, there are small things that people can do to help them this time of year. We suggest several ‘gifts of the season’ that can give our backyard neighbors a warm boost during the holidays.”

Don't think of birds, squirrels, racoons or skunks as pests. They are living being ans deserve a break.

Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
Nancy Archambault, of Foster, decorates Tuesday for the Festival of Trees at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Dozens of trees will be on display.

Starting Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 2, the Rhode Island Convention Center is hosting the RI Festival of Trees. Hours are 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to get into the sneak preview. It was just minutes before the center closed. I wish I had more time. I felt like I was in heaven! Trees of all colors and styles with decorations I would never have imagined I'd ever use. One of my favorites had a Grinch theme. I believe that was my favorite tree that year. Well, except for my own.

If you get a chance, stop by. Tickets are $9 for aduts and $7 for seniors and children.

Yes. I'm one of those people who starts the Christmas season as soon as Halloween is over. That's if I can hold back. After all, it is my favorite time of year. So, I pull out all my Christmas CDs and movies and start with that.

This year, my outside Christmas lights went up on Thanksgiving Day. I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Rhode Island had sixty-something degree weather. Perfect timing if you ask me. The following day, I put up just a few of my family-room decorations and one artificial tree. Next week, the rest of my decorations will go up.

I have such a difficult time understanding why people get so grumpy this time of year. I know some people complain about the commercialism of Christmas. I think Christmas can be exploited if you allow it to be. Look beyond the ads, the sales and pressure. Even if you aren't religious, it is a beautiful time of year. It doesn't have to require money. You need to look within yourself and give from your heart. It could be a favor, an errand or just some time set aside. I realize I have an idealistic view of Christmas but that took years to get here. I, too, had to get over the commercialism when I was in my twenties. I eventually blinded myself to all of it.

I was one of five children. My parents obviously didn't have much money. Somehow, they always, and I mean always, gave us a perfect Christmas and that started within the home. We had one of those poor thing silver pom-pom trees that stood four feet tall. We didn't have lights for it; we had one of those spotlights with the four-color rotating wheel. I still remember the burn mark the light left on the carpet. My Mom, who was of Italian descent, cooked up TWO feasts; one on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas Day. I don't know how she did it but they were always wonderful even though I hated bacala!

My three brothers and sister keep those memories and make sure their children have the same kind of Christmases we had as children. All of us (nearly thirty of us now) still have that spark this time of year. We all love Christmas.