Adrienne's Corner

Cyber Monday

****Tomorrow is Cyber Monday. This is a day when on-line sales are encouraged by merchants. Most of us do not like the consumerism that has overshadowed the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I will be the first to agree it has gotten more than a little weird.

****However, this is not as new a phenomenon as some would have you believe. When I was a young girl, back before electricity and flush toilets, people were already complaining about the commercialization of Christmas. As a child, I can remember pouring over the Christmas edition of the Sears Catalog (before it was taken to the outhouse), picking out all the loot I wanted. This was a process that took many, many hours spread out over many days.

****The early Church wanted to ban this whole idea of gift giving, but the people prevailed and the Church decided to put a religious spin on it by linking it to the gifts of the Magi and to the fact that Jesus is the best gift ever - which He is.

****The Victorians really cranked it up a notch and gift giving has been growing ever since, until it has become this guilt-ridden, stress-inducing hysteria that causes heartburn and pimples.

****My husband and I celebrated our first Christmas by giving each other gifts. Hubby had not picked up on the concept of gold and diamonds yet, and so I received a beautiful sweater that was a shade of gold guaranteed to make any dark Italian look like they were soon to expire from a virulent case of jaundice. I don't remember what I got him, but I'm sure it was wonderful.

****We decided that year not to ever exchange gifts again. Instead of wasting time and energy, we would purchase something for the house or just go shopping together for an item we may have needed. It's been over thirty years now and this method has worked well for us.

****I'm not suggesting that this is the only way to "do" Christmas, and I sure wouldn't try this with your kids. But one way to cut down on the stress is to take advantage of the internet. Retailers have jumped on the "cyber bandwagon" and tomorrow is Cyber Monday, a day to sit in front of your computer with a cup of coffee and do your shopping.

****Both my husband and I make a portion of our income on the internet. My husband sells instructional material for guitar, banjo, and mandolin. I market my daylilies in the summer and also sell on ebay. A significant portion of my purchases are also done online. No fuss, no bother, and no time-sucking shopping trips to the mall or driving from store to store.

****I encourage all of you to shop online. Almost all of the retailers are offering deep discounts, free delivery, or other inducements to get your business. I have included links below that will take you to sites with links to most major retailers, plus coupons you can use.

****Giving gifts should be fun. We do it because it makes us feel good but, for heavens sake, keep it sane, sensible, and never forget that Christmas is to welcome our Lord and Saviour. Offer your love as a gift to Him.

Cyber-Monday. org

Over-Stock.com

Best Cyber Monday Sales. com

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Lewalt Publishing Guitar, 5 string Banjo, and Mandolin Instruction since 1974 - gift certificates available for the musician in your life. Mention my name and receive a free gift with your order.

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Cheerful givers do not count the cost of what they give. *Their hearts are set on pleasing and cheering the person to whom the gift is given.

Julian of Norwich

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