Christmas is very commercialized. Part of the reason I still make most of the presents I gift to friends and family. My list grows each year and I start my Holiday Baking in October, freezing most of the cookies and breads to keep them fresh until they ship the first week in December. Once I get those packages mailed I'll start baking for those who live close enough for me to hand deliver their baskets.

I have to admit to having a bit of trouble getting into the spirit of things this year. This is my second Christmas without my husband, and his last Christmas with us was extremely hard since he was in the hospital at the time. For my kids, I put on the cheery face and trudge on through the season. I avoid Walmart and the malls as much as possible, and only venture out to shop during off hours when the stores are less busy.

Things are too forced anymore. It feels more like the holiday is thrust in front of you instead of being a more festive free spirited time that it once was. I rely more on the traditions I grew up with, rather than the plastic blow up commercial holiday it has become.