ok, since you’re as tired as me and far better organised (like the new look btw) i have, over the years, bought my father every power tool that i am ever likely to borrow from him. any ideas?

Ah, the peace of the Christmas season… :rolls eyes:

@saint: Well… If he’s got power tools, how about not so power tools. Those stud-finder and laser levels in one seem like fun. Of course, if you buy him a Sharp Zaurus or even a Yopy that might be more fun

For me, the Christmas season really is a time of peace. Of course, I don’t buy presents for people, don’t sign up for every little thing that comes my way, and make time to slow down. It’s all about choices, guys.

My problem is that the Christmas season is too short and I wish the actual day wasn’t such a big deal. Too many people fighting through the season and hoping it will all pay off on that one day instead of realizing we already have that hope each and every day.

For me, Christmas is a celebration first. “Of what” is obvious. I also recognize it as a very human need, to break up the winter blahs by having some high festival that mandates family get-togethers, and some attempts at giving in some way. I personally prefer to give what is available and needed regardless of season. Living below the official poverty line, that keeps me highly dependent on the Father. That’s a nice place to be. And I try to give cheer 365 days of the year.

But I still love Christmas for all the cultural fulness, the music, the extravagance, and the focus on Jesus Christ. I talk a bit about Advent in our little country Baptist church, schedule a few carols for each song service, help decorate the tree (O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! Thou Canaanite deity…) and all the usual stuff folks do because I’m not willing to be a wet blanket — except the usual complaints about overly commercializing the holiday.

My calling to Crusade lies elsewhere.