What happened to the Christmas Feeling...

I was Christmas shopping in the local mall yesterday, when I noticed that Santa Clause, was sitting and waiting to hear small children’s want lists for Christmas, for the first time that I can remember he did not have a line waiting for him. Santa Clause was sitting alone. Middle of the day (he had not returned from a break, nor was he getting ready for a break). Are children, not sharing their Want List with Santa Clause?

Visiting Santa at the mall was the most exciting, and must do thing for me as a child. He had to know what gifts I "HAD" to have. He had to help me get "that" toy, since my mother loved to use the words, "no", "nope", "noda", "not-going-to happening-in-this-life-time", "you better save your pennies", "go get a job", and several more statements that aren't coming to mind at this moment. The the meaning was crystal-clear, I was not getting the "toy" and I better stop asking. My saving grace --"SANTA". 

PSST, "it worked" usually, or I got for my birthday.

I have also noticed that people stopped wishing-another happy holidays, like the used to. I am the first to say "happy holiday", or "happy holidays to you and your family". I've even been in discussions with people and been told multiple times, that this year "they decided not to send Christmas Cards". An active decision to not send cards, rather than just running out of time. How, unChristmas spirit like.

I have also been paying attention to individuals as they interact with their children, their spouses, and others around them…People watching is a simple subconscious activity, until I started “noticing” similar activities and behaviors among shoppers, and people around me.

I’ve noticed that people act the same this time of year as they do in March, July, and or any other month. There is nothing “Special” anymore about Christmas. At least, not today. Not now. Not this year.

The magic is of Ole’ St. Nick list checking, the anticipation just maybe catching a glimpse of Santa and his deer crossing the sky-way, are gone. Is this because I am older or is because I don’t have children? Is it because parents are struggling with debt and bills? Is a more likely excuse, unknown job security?

Possibly the above play a major role in the loss of holiday cheer. In reality, I believe loss in holiday cheer and anticipation revolve around the inability to say “no” to ourselves and our children. If we want the New Must Have Widget put it on credit and have it tomorrow. If you want something, why not have it today, rather than wait for your “BIRTHDAY” or “CHRISTMAS” ? Why would somebody save and pay cash for the “New Must Have Widget”?

While in the store, children whining and dramatic voices, “I want, I need” this toy. And parents, okaying the purchasing of their child’s every need, or explaining “you buy this toy today, and you get it for Christmas”. Where is the anticipation of Christmas if they know what their getting, threes ahead of time?

Why not say “NO”. Why negotiate with a child?

Whatever happened to “NO.”

Whatever happened to “self-control”.

Whatever happened to “discipline”

Whatever happened to “waiting” for a toy or item of want until one can afford the item.

These questions, apply to raising children as much as ourselves.

Saying “no” to ourselves, and our children (for myself my nephew/nieces) does not cause them to melt.

Maybe if we said “no” more often children, would be eagerly waiting to see Santa with their list of Wants and Must of haves for Christmas this year. Christmas joy and anticipation may fill the air again, maybe.

5.8%

Social Security Administration Annonuced Earlier a 5.8% increase!

Largest since 1982.

Plus--

Medicare 2009 monthly cost is???

Medicare Hospital A - Free month

Medicare Medical B - $96.40 month

You vs ?

Whose responsible to support you, or the ill perpaired for retirement?

Whose responsible for education and explanation?

Whose responsible for YOU and YOUR FUTURE?

Dave Ramsey read the following Creed this evening and posted on this website, to pass along. Please pass along, as you consider the meaning of responsibility....

An American Creed

I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.

I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”

By Dean Alfange

______________

*Originally published in This Week Magazine.
Later printed in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952 and January 1954.

The Honorable Dean Alfange was an American statesman born December 2, 1899, in Constantinople (now Istanbul). He was raised in upstate New York. He served in the U.S. Army during World War I and attended Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1922.

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Bailout Response What it takes for us all to overcome the crazy economy

Go face the world, full strength and awareness that you are your full responsibility. You are your dream. You are you life!

Sad times

More and more companies are shutting their doors in my area.

More and more families are feeling the burden. The stress and hardship of raising a family on single income or no income.

The State is cutting back or unable to provide assistance to people who need.

Because of all this I am feeling very down and sad. I feel this because I see and talk to people affected by "main street" decisions, as well as State decisions to reduce or stop assisting individuals/families.

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Better news--

I have found  Dave Ramsey  on the Radio--we drive home together everyday--he's awesome.

Other news--

I think I will shift the focus a little of this blog?!

Not so much retirement, (don't worry) will discuss retirement --however, I would like to talk more about thoughts, and feelings about what is happening.

For example: A women in my area killed her infant child.

Why? What made her do such a thing? I am not a parent...so I don't know if parents ever reach a point where they have had too much

Destruction of life is so last resort. So final. So selfish.

Not only that... destroying one life, destroys your life in return. Prison.

I wonder what made this mom, this parent kill her infant child. What goes through a mothers mind while she's killing her baby, (or allowing another person to destroy her child's life--)??? I just don't understand---

Do you?

Why am I still paying over $3.00 Per Gallon?!

Oil Tumbles

A place we can all save money, the pump.

A trickle down effect--as an individual we can save but also as a consumer we can save.

"Crude oil sank below $90 a barrel in New York for the first time since February as the deepening credit crisis added to concern that slowing global economic growth will reduce demand for fuels. Crude oil for November delivery fell $5.73, or 6.1 percent, to $88.15 a barrel at the 2:30 p.m. close of floor trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange."

If this is true....then WHY? Should we be? Two months ago, YES (when a barrel solid for $130, not $88.15).

What about the loss the Dow experienced? What about peoples retirement? Savings?

Questions to ponder (if you aren't already)....

Will we recover from the loss? Will fuel/gas prices reduce below $2.00 a gallon?

Are our jobs, our careers safe?