Up since 5 a.m. assembling platters of cookies and candy. Today will continue to be a busy day with running, shopping for last minute gifts and food, and delivering the Xmas platters. Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining. I absolutely love the business of Christmas.

At this time of year the people in the stores and on the streets seem much more friendly and compassionate. I love that I can say "hello" to folks as they linger with me in the toy aisle, and a conversation ensues regarding the child for whom we're shopping.

My wish is that it could be more like Christmas all year long...the caring and sharing are amazing. With that in mind, please remember to smile at your sales associates, stay off of your cell phone while you're paying for something, be friendly toward your fellow shoppers, and be generous with your donations of commercial items, money and, especially time.

Merry Christmas, my cyber readers. God bless.

shel