Normally I find myself grumpy about the rampant over commercialization of the American Christmas season. I usually resent the constant bombardment of shopping catalogs (our recycle bin has been full every week for a month), the pervasive Christmas decorations in storefronts as early as September every year (WTF?), and the dependence the retail sector of the economy has on just a few months of shopping every year.

Bah Humbug.

I usually tell people not to buy me anything, and only to give things to me that they made themselves.

This year I don't feel so grumpy about it, and I am not sure why.

I still feel that people who carry any debt at all other than a mortgage on their home and a car loan should not be buying holiday gifts for others. If you owe your bank anything each month, pay them off. Stop the blood-suckers from bleeding you dry. That comes before giving gifts in the list of priorities.

However, for those who are living debt-free, I am feeling a bit relaxed about the whole holiday gift-exchange thing. Perhaps I am inspired by the ever-lovely prehensile_wit, who suggests that we all go pre-order copies of Serenity so that Joss can make more shows like Firefly and movies like Serenity! What a brilliant idea! I've already ordered two copies - and someone will be lucky this season (or shortly after, I a such a cheapskate than I went for the free 5-9 day shipping option).

Here is my real wish list:

World Peace. I know that is a lot to ask for, but I believe we can do it one person at a time. Do something to make someone around you happy. Happy people are a huge step in the right direction, and a world full of happy people is a peaceful world. So, think a bit - and focus on helping someone who is unhappy find a little happiness this season.

That's really about it. I could list many other things, but let's focus on this one first.