Christmas brings out the best qualities

It seems Christmas brings out the best in everyone, no matter how old or young. Once, while picking up my third son, who was five years old at the time, at his pre-school a few weeks before the holidays, was surprised to find him feeling rather depressed. He was usually full of beans after playing with his friends most of the day.

I asked him how his day had gone, and he replied, "You know what, Mom? We have new kid, Chuckie, and he told me a secret. His birthday is two days before Christmas, and when he gets all of his presents from his Grandmas, they tell him they are for both Christmas and his birthday, because they are so close together. And he can't even have a separate party, because everybody's already having Christmas parties!"

He was clearly outraged for his new friend.

"Well," I tried to say cheerily, "aren't you lucky that your birthday is on Halloween, and everybody knows it's your birthday party that they're going to. Maybe you could give Chuckie a present on the 23rd of December, and on Christmas too."

My son brightened up and said, "I'll give him the best present for his birthday, and we won't even have to dress up in funny costumes to get it!"

********

Do you receive dozens of direct-mailing pieces every day, cluttering your mailbox with "wonderful bargains" you just can't pass up? Or asking help for what may be worthwhile charities of every kind?

Before you respond to any direct mail solicitation, do some careful reading and critical thinking. If something catches your eye that you think you must have, don't rush to order it right away - put it down and cool off for a week or two before you respond. While you are at it, it is good to remember that if you respond to one ad, your address and information may well be added to many other mailing lists.

Let's get rid of the myth that "poor old seniors are easily fooled." We've all read some story in the paper about a senior citizen who thought he won a million dollars and made an expensive and fruitless trip to collect the winnings.

So, let's all remember to read between the lines when we get these mailings. We are, after all, quite capable of taking care of our own business.

********

Going in to a new restaurant in town with a friend, I ran into several other younger friends. They told me that they were enjoying a 15 percent discount off their bill because, although they are only 55, they too are now considered to be seniors. Well kids, before you get too happy about senior benefits, you may want to take a long hard look at your retirement plans.

Assess your current financial needs - how will they change when you retire? What special plans have you made? Maybe relocating? Traveling? Buying a second home? Does your company have a retirement plan? Are you invested in a 401K plan for tax advantages?

At the age of 55, you still have time to think ahead about your own security. Be sure to make the right plans so you'll have lots more to look forward to than a senior discount coupon or a free appetizer.

********

There is so much to do this time of year, but it doesn't hurt to remind my readers of some upcoming events to consider.

Breakfast With Santa: If you've ever attended any of Gulf Breeze Methodist Church's meals, you will want to be there for one of the three seatings of Breakfast With Santa. This affair abounds with free food, free photos, and free fun for everyone. Seatings are at 8, 9 and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the main campus of the church, located at 75 Fairpoint Drive in central Gulf Breeze. Call 850-932-3594 or 850-916-1660 to reserve a space. Hey, plan to bring the grandkids!

The Pensacola Historical Society plans an afternoon of Celtic music and the reading of a children's Christmas story at 3 p.m, Sunday, Dec. 16, at The Beacon, located at 110 East Church Street in historic downtown Pensacola.

Sweet Prospect Band will perform Celtic Christmas music. The accomplished musical trio plays seldom-seen medieval instruments such as hammered dulcimers, bowed psaltery and recorders, along with the popular acoustic guitar.

The concert will conclude with a reading of a children's Christmas story by Marie Ritson, the children's librarian at the Tryon Library. Refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the general public, especially children.

For information, contact Betty Vickers at 850-432-9743 or the Pensacola Historical Society at 850-434-5455.

*****

It takes your food seven seconds to get from your mouth to your stomach. Seems like an even shorter trip from there to your thighs, doesn't it?

See you next week!