I'm not especially stressed, during the holiday season. Two things tend to be a bit difficult for me: 1) During the holidays, I typically get to spend the least amount of time with those I care about, most; 2) my health issues tend to be at their worst at this time of year.

Other than those, I'm not especially stressed.

How about you? Do you get stressed out during the holiday season?

That's true, but I've been putting a huge amount of work into my website and my online presence, generally – so it's been OK.

I generally only get stressed if Patty does. That is why Thanksgiving was so nice. Got us the "white plate special", ie styrofoam container dinners at the local market and it was really good! Was just the two of us at home, relaxed all day, read and played on the computer. No fuss no muss. Just chuck the plates into the trash and cleanup was over!

For me, the Holidays aren't really special, Usually just another workday unless they fall on a Sunday (I get off at 8am) or a Monday. Tuesdays are rough for me cause I have to start going back to bed in the early afternoon to sleep for work that night.

I'm glad you had a relaxing Thanksgiving.

I have no strong affiliations with holidays, either; however, I do like to think any excuse for celebration is a good one.

I try to always give thanks to my loved ones. Every time I see them, I give them big hugs and kisses, tell them I love them, tell them they make me happy, and thank them for getting together with me.

THAT is what it's all about. We as a people have so commercialized the "Holiday season" that it is totally out of control. As an example I give you "Black Friday"! I guess they call it black friday because they are remembering(yeah right) all the poor folks that get hurt when all the idiots act like a pack of rabid dogs (sorry Scrapyard)!

Until this year, I'd only heard the term "Black Friday" as a stock market reference, not a holiday shopping reference.

I'd guess the reason they call it Black Friday is because it's the day merchant businesses bring finances out of the red, into the black for the year.

I generally don't buy presents at all. I make them.

From what I have seen of your pictures, you make presents VERY WELL!

Black Friday, as a name, does not begin to convey the insanity that infects people. They will lie, cheat, bite, scratch and claw their way to what they want with no thought to anyone or anything else besides their own desire. i would rather walk down a snake lined path than have to go to the "shopping mecas" on that day.

Thanks.

I haven't experienced people caught up in Black Friday insanity, but I can imagine. I have experienced people forgetting their compassion, and behaving at less than their best.

I would imagine this year would've been especially bad, since it's pent up from a couple years of economic challenge.

At least, they are getting caught up in insanity pertaining to giving to their loved ones. That's some consolation.

True, it IS often for getting something for someone besides ourselves. BUT even that overiding desire to please someone by getting "just the right thing" isn't an excuse for the way SOME of them act. As the old saying goes, "there is always one in every crowd", unfortunately, often A LOT more than one! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

I better get to sleep.

Have a good night, Randy.

You as well Mike. Peace and rest to you and may your health only continue to imporve. May your business ventures only bring continuing success as well. And all those that you hold in your heart only experience happiness and love.

Well before it gets cranked up for the day on to the updates!