I've never been intrigued by the designation of 'black' as the fitting connotation to Friday after Thanksgiving's official launch of the holiday shopping season. It sounded rather ominous to me, however, as far as color of ink is concerned, this season may fall into the more traditional color of the season . . . red.  

Retailers, already fighting the calendar's late Thanksgiving date, are scrambling for innovative incentives to attract shoppers and last minute super specials are appearing at the outset. Shoppers are just as determined to wait for the next wave of price slashing. Many plan to combine gift-giving and necessities into one purchase. I suspect a lot of edibles and clothing will find themselves perched under trees in colorful gift wrap and the dreamed of electronics will still be residing on the wish lists.  

But, at this point, I don't think anyone is anticipating yet another dissertation on the sad state of economical affairs. Nor, it is the time to offer unrealistic 'what if's' or spiels of recriminations to the guilty.  It's a time to make an effort to get into a positive frame of mind and look for the opportunities that often lie hidden in the shadows of hard times, or even poor past judgments. Perhaps, a return to practicality is the jump start to the culture change promised by the recent election.

As an avid reader and writer myself, I immediately thought of the opportunity to restore an interest in reading to small children. Instead of the expensive electronic toys and video games, we could purchase colorful books with accompanying coloring books and crayons. For teenagers, a practical gift of a U.S. Savings Bond can be obtained for less money than a sweater! Items of that nature would often be appreciated by adults as well. I've decided to make simple, genuine, and practical my holiday goal.

In this week of Thanksgiving and with December's doorway upon us, I've taken the time to focus on my blessings. One which I am most grateful for are the opportunities I've been afforded to have a somewhat public voice with my writing endeavors. Many of you know that in addition to Fabulous 40, I also hold the position of contributor to a lively newsletter based in San Diego, the Fox and Quill, and as poetry editor for a popular e-zine, The Infinite Writer, based in Florida. Yet, my most precious accomplishment for me other than my books is my website which is non-commercial and geared specifically for peace, relaxation, and reflection.  

In the interest of my goal, I decided to use my simple talents to offer the gift of Nature's Beauty and my Season's Greetings to all my friends and valued readers. It will save a tree over the standard mailed out card, it will save time in an already stressful season, it will save money, and it will express my heart to those who matter. In that vein, I invite and offer you all my Christmas Poem and an inspiring moving Christmas trailer on the home page of my website. I'm not selling anything or 'plugging' anything, just sharing the Spirit of the Season the way I do best. Thank you, Yana, and thank you all for your kind support since my arriving in this wonderful Fabulous 40 community.
www.sucarha.com

"A Different Kind of Christmas"

The calendar is turning
It's near the end of year.
A different kind of Christmas
Is about to be, I fear.

My list of gifts is growing
And money's hard to find.
A different kind of Christmas
Is forming in my mind.

Oh, lights will still twinkle,
Snowflakes will still fall
A different kind of Christmas
Won't change that at all.

Carols will still ring out,
And sleigh bells will still ring.
A different kind of Christmas
Will be in the gifts I bring.

My gifts won't cost money,
New traditions I can start.
A different kind of Christmas
Will come from my heart.

I'll give love and understanding,
Share a shoulder and a song.
A different kind of Christmas
To last the whole year long.

I'll stand up for your honor,
Lend a helping hand
Hope a different kind of Christmas
Will spread across the land.

I'll offer my forgiveness
Toss resentments all away.
Wish for yours to be returned
For the times I've strayed.

I'll take the time to thank you
As we gather by the tree
For your part in our family
And all you've done for me.

Isn't that what Christmas means?
Aren't all its treasures free?
I think my different kind of Christmas
Is what was meant to be.  

 Susan Haley ~ 2008

Susan Haley, Author
RAINY DAY PEOPLE – A Novel
FIBERS IN THE WEB  

     **Susan Haley is the published author of two books, a Children's E-book, several articles on networking, an award-winning poet, and the copy editor and book reviewer for Pepper Tree Press Publishing and book reviewer for AME Marketing out of San Diego. She also contributes a column to "The Florida Writer" the official magazine of the Florida Writers Association, of which she is Facilitator for the Sarasota County Chapter. The audio version of her novel "Rainy Day People" was awarded runner-up Finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence National Book Awards. She also contributes a variety of editorials and excerpts of her work to various E-zines and newsletters and local papers.