And you know Christmas has come and gone...

There are the after-Christmas sales, for one thing.  Not as crowded as in years past, but pretty long lines at  checkout.  I got some good bargains, but I'm thinking the sales will be even better next week.

Another way you can tell is that some people are already taking down their trees and not turning their Christmas lights on.  I guess that's a sign of the state of the economy in a way.  People didn't seem as much into the holiday at the parties I attended.  They sent less cards and bought fewer and less expensive gifts.

But the new year is just around the corner.  It feels as though the years go faster the older I get.  Have you noticed that too?  I don't have any big plans this year.  Hubby is working New Year's Eve, so it will be Dick Clark again for me.  I'll do some channel surfing, no doubt, to see what celebrities are on the other channels.

Whatever your plans are for that night, make it a safe and sane holiday and may you have a wonderful 2011.

~The Summersetter

I know it's nearly Christmas because...

• I know it's nearly Christmas because: some of the houses in my neighborhood started decorating the day BEFORE Thanksgiving.
• I know it's nearly Christmas because: The Summerset Singers have been practicing for weeks and have started performing for others.  We have about 10 events planned for the winter season - 4 down and 6 to go.  Tonight we sang at the Summerset II holiday party.  Tomorrow we're singing for a retirement party.  
• I know it's nearly Christmas because: the stores are crowded and traffic is really heavy.
• I know it's nearly Christmas because: the Safeway store has cranberry sauce piled up at the front of the store, next to green beans and mushroom soup cans.  
• I know it's nearly Christmas because: in addition to my own singing events, I attended my granddaughter's holiday concert last night.
• I know it's nearly Christmas because: this weekend is my son's Wind Orchestra concert and my grandson's guitar recital.
• I know it's nearly Christmas because: I've gotten a list of desired presents from my family in Houston.  I'm expecting one from the California contingent soon.  
• I know it's nearly Christmas because: we're baking pies to enjoy at dinners with friends and family.
• I know it's nearly Christmas because: on Monday I have a Christmas brunch, a Christmas luncheon, and a Christmas dinner.  I also know I'll be letting out all my clothes.
  
  HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON, WHATEVER HOLIDAY YOU CELEBRATE!