Tis the season

Counting our blessings that the storm bypassed our area, despite the dire warnings. The only casualty was jpsorrow's booksigning on Friday, as a series of severe weather warnings convinced prospective shoppers to stay home instead of coming out to see him.

After days of 60 degree weather, the seasonal cold and snow flurries were a reminder that the holidays are fast approaching, and it's time to put the Christmas/Hanukkah lists together.

My one enduring holiday tradition is that I start my gift buying by donating money to various charities. It started when I was first out of college--there were no small children in my immediate family, so in order to have the fun of toy shopping I would sign up as a Christmas angel. Later, when I had a godson to shop for, then nephews and nieces, I transformed the tradition into donating money to charities--first the local food bank, then adding in other organizations as time passed.

This morning, as I sipped my coffee, I wrote out the checks and tucked them into holiday cards. Later this week I'll go to the book store and buy books for children from their giving tree.

It's a good feeling, far more satisfying than trying to figure out if someone needs a new black turtleneck, or whether I want to brave the Sharper Image. Later this month, as I'm standing in line at the mall, surrounded by frustrated, unhappy shoppers and staff, I'll take a deep breath and try to remember this feeling.

And be grateful that the holidays come only once a year.