NEW CASTLE — This week, I've decided to skip our question of the week to write about something that's been on my mind recently.

I hope you all don't mind. Besides, who wants to do homework over the holidays anyhow?

Since this will be my last blog before Christmas, I really wanted to vent a little about this whole prevailing "I hate Christmas" attitude that seems to be rolling off so many people around me. I'm not one of those people. I love Christmas. I don't care how stressed out I get, or how much I over-schedule myself. There's always something about shiny tinsel ribbons, brightly colored wrapping paper, and the undertone of "peace on earth and goodwill toward men" that makes my heart swell in a particular way that nothing else does.

And just because I love shopping and wrapping and baking doesn't mean it's all about the material things for me, either. I'm not going to preach to the choir. If you're a Christian, you know darned well what Christmas is all about. Giving in to the whole Santa and gift-giving thing doesn't belittle that premise, in my opinion. If you hold the truth in your heart, and honor the holiday according to your faith, there is nothing wrong with building onto that celebration with some cultural traditions.

I believe that where the "Christmas haters" go wrong is that they've put too much pressure on themselves to live up to the pop culture expectations of the holiday. This hub-bub of activity is not "Christmas." I could write a manifesto on what to do, and what not to do, but let's face it, we've all heard it a million times. If you want a refresher course, get your stressed-out self to church, or read one of the other millions of blogs about the true spirit of the holiday season.

In fact, the following post is one that I found on a friend's Facebook page, and tracked back to its original posting (www.chicagonow.com) so that I could share it with you. This author makes my point far more perfectly than I ever could have on my own. It's called "The 12 Gifts of Christmas" and it's an exercise aimed at getting the reader to perform one random act of kindness on each of the 12 days leading up to Christmas Day.

Of course, I missed the boat on giving this a try in its entirety, since I found it only yesterday, and when you read this, it will be even closer to Christmas. Nonetheless, I throw this out as a challenge for those of you who have lost faith in this blessed holiday.

Do one. Just one. Afterward, take a moment to feel that unfamiliar swelling in your heart.

THIS, my friends, not the stress and competition and flurry of festivities, is "Christmas." I dare you to hate it now.

(And to the anonymous person who recently performed a random act of kindness on me: I don't know who you are, but I hope you're reading this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope you know that what you did not only helped me immediately, but has also created in me a longer-lasting faith in humanity. It does my heart good to know that I walk this earth with people who see the opportunity for kindness, and take it.)



THE 12 GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS ...

DAY 12: (DECEMBER 13) — Buy food for a homeless person (or someone in need). This does not have to be expensive. $5 should cover lunch.

DAY 11: (DECEMBER 14) — Write a kind, hand-written letter to someone who changed your life for the better. And no, I'm not talking about an e-mail or a text. I'm talking about snail mail, people. (This can be to a childhood friend, a teacher from the past, or even an old baby-sitter who impacted your life for the better.)

DAY 10: (DECEMBER 15) — Pay for the person's order in line behind you in either the coffee drive-thru, fast food, a tollbooth, train ticket, etc. (There are a LOT of options here.)

DAY 9: (DECEMBER 16) — Put grocery carts away in a random parking lot for other shoppers or find carts that others have left behind. It will help the employees out by bringing them indoors where they belong.

DAY 8: (DECEMBER 17) — Write a letter of thanks to the armed forces. (Yes, even if you don't support the war. Remember that these people are risking their lives daily in order to ensure our safety and freedom.)

Here is the address:

A Million Thanks

17853 Santiago Blvd. #107-355

Villa Park, Calif., 92861



DAY 7: (DECEMBER 18) — Buy or bake something for a neighbor. You may know them well, or you may have never even introduced yourself. So here's your chance.

DAY 6: (DECEMBER 19) — Buy a $5 or $10 gift card for a grocery store, gas station, coffee place, etc. Leave the gift card on a random park bench or windshield of someone's car.

DAY 5: (DECEMBER 20) — Do something kind for the elderly. This can be anything from helping them to their car with heavy groceries, holding the door open for them, volunteering at a retirement home, or even raking their leaves.

DAY 4: (DECEMBER 21) — Tape quarters to a vending machine. So simple, yet so convenient! I honestly cannot count how many times I have wanted a snack or a soda, but could not dig up that last quarter to satisfy my craving.

DAY 3: (DECEMBER 22) — Leave a generous tip for a server, barista, or bartender — along with a nice note. This will most likely make their night. Having been in all three of these positions, I know how easy it is to get discouraged when guests are difficult and do not tip. This could turn their entire day around!

DAY 2: (DECEMBER 23) — Purchase a gift card at a local grocery store (of any amount). Turn around in line, and hand it to the first person you see. Then walk away. No explanation is needed. I'm sure their expression will say it all.

DAY 1: (DECEMBER 24) — YOUR turn to choose a random act of kindness. Be creative. The sky is the limit.