My Bride and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas as we slowly adjust to our new found independence as retirees.  We are slow to change habits, like having everything done and out of the way before Thanksgiving.  A habit left over from my retailing days, as my hours would increase, and if I had a day or night off, I did not want to spend it in another store.  The other bonus to that scheme, is that all the costs were paid for in December, and then we could think about a well-deserved vacation in January or February.

We enjoy the Christmas season to spend time with family and friends and wish the best for everyone.  I even love the music, which so many seem to castigate with scorn.  I remember the last business I helped, they allowed their “manager” full reign and he wouldn’t play Christmas music, unless it was totally undecipherable as Christmas music.  I actually had to complain, to get the business to play music that the customers were expecting to hear.  Oh well, perhaps I am old-fashioned, but I do make a great curmudgeon. The customers enjoyed the music and even stated it, so not everything old is wrong.  

Also, after Christmas, comes the New Year, which we can celebrate with good cheer.  Then Orthodox Christmas appears in January and it is subtle and understated; and to me and many others it signals that the decorations can come down for another year.  As a retired retailer, I still enjoy the seasons, but Christmas should not appear until after Thanksgiving, I think it is appalling to see it appear after “Back to School” promotions in September.  Allow my Bride and I, once again a chance to wish you a Merry Christmas with plenty of good health, happiness, luck and love.