18 days left until Christmas.

Only 18 days….so little time for me to complete my college course work, finish decorating the house, throw two holiday parties, shop for friends and family, complete a freelance research project, and try to squeeze a day trip to New York to see Rockefeller Center.
Where the heck has all the time gone?
Every year I promise myself that next year I will have a plan of action / strategy for success and be well prepared for my favorite holiday.
One would think in this age of digital communications, social media and internet based shopping I would be able to locate all the great decorations for the house, send out Christmas Cards (yes we say Christmas in our house) and shop for the perfect gifts.
Technology is great and I enjoy its benefits everyday yet somehow at Christmas I want things to be more personable and friendly and the computer seems to be a bit more impersonal than performing the task myself.
I want my friends and family to know:

- That the Christmas card I sent them has a hand written note from our family versus buying the cards with our names printed on them or electronic cards sent to an email address.
- That the gift I handed them was thought out carefully and not purchased on a whim.
- That I still love my mother even though she absolutely makes me crazy with her list of what to do’s.
- That our children understand the true meaning of Christmas and how important it is that we share the holiday together.
Each year technology advances but it still can not take the place of a Christmas Movie night

So for your holiday I wish everyone gifts that enhance their social media and the time to spend with family and friends that will enhance you socializing.
So, Yes Virginia there is a Christmas with out technology.
For those who had never had a chance to read the famous letter to the New York Sun written by veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church to Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon to answer her question “Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus”. Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus