During the holiday season we seem to be kinder, more compassionate, and more apt to give charitably to those in need. It makes us feel good to give, to serve, and to love! It seems to add to the warmth of Christmas and for many it is even a tradition. Yet, when the holidays end, we often return to our 'regular lives', and our giving, serving, and loving efforts are virtually placed in the storage boxes with the trees, wreaths, and other decorations. I watched a children's show once where one of the characters wished that it could be Christmas every day. He did this because he loved the way he felt at Christmas time, and so this seemed like a solution to be able to feel this way ALL the time. Well, as I am sure you can imagine, havi...

Christmas is one festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor all over the world irrespective of caste, creed, gender and nationality. When the word Christmas is mentioned, the first thing that comes to our mind is Santa Claus and Christmas cakes. Our imagination help us to visualizes a pine tree decorated with balloons, Santa Claus, bells, lights, fragrant flowers, and angel on top of the Christmas tree. Also images of Christmas cakes and Christmas gifts gladden our hearts. However, the best part of the festival is exchanging of gifts with one another. If you want to celebrate Christmas in the most exclusive way, then start it by preparing for it in advance. You may like to plan where you want to spend your...

Here it comes again: the frenzy and anti-climax that we all know as Christmas, Crimbo or - as someone had the foresight to further minimise, way ahead of the SMS age, the to-the-point - 'Xmas'. For years, like many men, I've had my suspicions, which over successive seasons have evolved into dread, panic and occasionally loathing - attenuated only by some of the more positive excesses associated with the festival (that has its roots in the Winter Solstice - a wholly more edifying and real proposition that I can relate to). However, I'll not be going anywhere near any standing stones or eating any coal (or whatever it is that Druids do). This year I'm opting out, and any fear of being perceived as a curmudgeon, have finally been ...