I hate the same old music. I hate being bombarded by "BUY BUY BUY." I hate that we can't say Merry Christmas in case we offend anyone and that most Christmas cards I have gotten are full of snow and Christmas trees (inanimate objects oddly enough). My favorite one is the Madonna and Child that my grandmother sent to me.

Anddddd I hate genocide and war. Blah, this is going to sound cheesy, but so much money is wasted on giving things to people that don't want or need them. There are essential gifts to give and then consider the ppl in Darfur: www.unicefusa.org

I read an article on Mia Farrow's support for this country (about 2 wks. ago) and clicked the link and was very frustrated, because there was the option to donate in pounds and I couldn't find the correct US site and my normal charity didn't have a Darfur fund.

Anyway, give what you can if you can. I think the USA is overindulgent and there are lots of greedy people here splurging on things when people are dying. I felt guilty last night depositing a check at my bank, having a car, locking it because of my ipod and DVDs inside.

Okay, just sharing. Consider spending a portion of your holiday budget to those in need.