Christmas time is my favorite time of year. It is a big time for Christians and other religious groups (if that’s the correct verbiage) but is also a crazy time with all of the shopping and religious differences!

Which one is correct? Midnight mass, Hanukkah, Quanza? Who knows?

I was raised Baptist and yet I have been to midnight mass at a Catholic church more than once growing up and into my adult years. I think that the whole Jewish thing is fascinating with the presents on more than one day too even though I never really expect anything. BTW, I realize that the Jewish holiday is not about presents.

Then, there’s the activities. Is it packed full or relaxed for your family?

I love the music, the lights and decorations, the food and yes the shopping even though I haven’t actually done any yet. It’s fun to see just how low stores will drop their prices. Do I buy it now or will it go down more? I really did want to go out the day after Thanksgiving until I woke up that morning. Then I was disappointed when I did actually get up that I did not go. Oh well, there’s always next year. So I stayed warm, slept in and didn’t get trampled or kicked out and placed in a time out (Walmart shoppers!). I will just have to pay $20 more for something if I really have to have it.

Citybeat, a Cincinnati Free “newspaper”, wrote a story on the issues and joys of the season called ’12 Days of Christmas, where they list things to do during 12 days of Christmas starting on December 14th. The list includes the Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker for which you all know I am most excited about. Thank you for including this.