Snow Globe Living

I love Christmas. The decorated trees, garland, Santa decorations, shopping for gifts, outdoor lights, the spirit of the holiday. However, there are people in my life who do not share this Christmas joy. This year, rather than being beaten down by their bahumbug-edness, I have announced that I am living in my snow globe world, ignoring all Christmas nay sayers, Grinches, Scrooges.

Holiday music plays in the background of my snow globe; "It's a Holly Jolly Christmas" is number one on the list with "Welcome Christmas" (the fah who for-aze song) a close second. The snow sparkles, I'm warm and cozy with an inner glow and the only shaking of my globe is when I'm jumping for joy. If a Humbug comes into my space I just turn up the music and loudly sing along. I have an example from just this morning. I went to Shopko, which has two entrances, and Salvation Army bell ringers were at both entrances. I donated to the volunteer, did my shopping and at the opposite entrance the bell ringers were singing. Hmmmmmm. I made my purchases, exited the store, and encountered the same non-singing bell ringer to whom I first donated. I was almost out the door when I had a thought which I shared with him, "The other bell ringers are singing." He replied, thinking he had an excuse, "I know. I can't carry a tune."

Always wanting to expand my globe I told him I would put $5.00 in the bucket if he sang a Christmas song. As often happens with unsure Christmas celebrators, he hesitated with an uncertain look on his face. To help him out I started, "We wish you a Merry Christmas" and we sang two verses together. Since I believe my singing voice was worse than his, I hoped he felt more comfortable. When we finished the song I place my money in the bucket, clasped him on the arm and said, "See, there you go! Merry Christmas!"

I'm not sure he was totally enveloped in my holiday snow globe, but we gave it a good try. You never know what seeds of joy, Christmas, and happiness you plant. While I try to keep my globe intact, I don't mind letting others in to enjoy the warmth and Christmas spirit!

Sears Commercial

Sears is broadcasting a holiday commercial that has caught my eye. Or rather, has caught my ear. The background music is very enticing, and I finally googled the commercial and came away with the song name -- "World" by Five for Fighting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-kpR32B-Uk&feature=channel

I became acquainted with this group's music a few years ago when I became enchanted with their song "100 Years." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-kpR32B-Uk&feature=channel

Five for Fighting's music has a pleasant light rock quality, but the lyrics secure its place in my heart. The lyrics are thoughtful and touch a very emotional part of me. While I have often felt that certain songs are ruined when used to promote commercialism (remember the "1812 Overture" and how it became the Puffed Wheat theme song), I must thank Sears for bringing my attention to "World."