When the Best Gifts Can't be Found at a Mall

I haven't had much time to think of Christmas this year. Between juggling Birmingham's very busy schedule and trying to enjoy as much of the season as I can, I'm having a hard time believing Christmas is less than a week away. I mean, where did 2010 go?

When it came time to make my Christmas list, I couldn't think of much. Normally I'm a big fan of giving gifts – and receiving them. However, I'm begining to think Linus was right in A Charlie Brown Christmas: "Christmas has become too commercialized." What does it say for the spirit of the season when we spend all our time fighting over the 32-inch televisions at Walmart or scouring the mall until Christmas Eve?

That's why all I want for Christmas this year is some time to relax with family and friends. Like so many of you all, Christmas is about home. For many, that means prepping the spare bedrooms for when your grown children or college students arrive.  For others, that means traveling out of state or to other parts of Michigan to be with relatives. For some, it means sledding in Booth Park, ice skating in or the, sipping hot cocoa from and going caroling with your neighborhood church.

So for Christmas this year, this is what I want—for myself and for Birmingham:

• A break from the snow. Remember, some of us have to drive this holiday season to visit out-of-town relatives. I would appreciate if the boys from the Michigan Department of Transportation and Road Commission of Oakland County could keep Interstate 75 clear until at least we hit the Michigan-Ohio border (even if the ). For those staying home, however, I'm sure many are hoping for a white Christmas, but few are looking forward to thawing our cars in 10 degree weather.
• Stress-free shopping. Let's face it, many of us procrastinate with our Christmas shopping. Battling the stores around the holidays can be a necessary evil, whether you head to the mall or hit up the stores in downtown Birmingham. However, whether you're at or , let's not forget those who are ringing up our purchases. Take it from somone who worked in retail during the holiday season last year — shoppers and cashiers can become impatient quickly. So be patient with those clerks and cashiers, waiters and baristas. Keeping the stress out of shopping will ensure downtown Birmingham remains jolly.
• Free time. I look forward to at least a few days of blissful relaxation this week – a few hours when I can lay on the couch, watch White Christmas over and over again and listen to my family complain about the weather. The holidays are typically associated with busy schedules, however I encourage everyone to take a bit of time for yourself this weekend. Bundle up and take a walk around ,  treat yourself to some candy from (who says you're not allowed to give gifts to yourself?) and maybe even try your hand at sledding. It doesn't matter what holiday you celebrate; this is the time of year to take a break from reality and just be happy.

So, enjoy yourself this holiday season, Birmingham. Patch will be slowing down as well, but we'll still be here — every day — bringing you news, features and information when and where you need it.