I wish that Christmas would go back to the way it used to be.

I get a little peeved when I start to see the commercials where you have to buy the Ultimate Driving Machine, spend three months of your salary-I mean isn't that love?-on a diamond ring or purchase that wonderful plasma TV that lets your neighbors know you have made it, as they walk by your home during their evening circuits.

I never expected a whole lot for Christmas, I got what I needed, some good family moments, friends and a bunch of smiles and memories.

I got the nice bonus at work, the white elephant swaps in the office and a pot luck where I got to eat great stuff that people brought in.

The company catered a meal for us-one day of good food-and that soured when my co-workers started to complain about it. They wanted a raise instead of a meal. The three bucks or so they spent on a meal would equal a penny raise over the whole year. Gosh where is their Christmas spirit.

When they cost-cut the meal, people complained the the company was too cheap to feed them!

I want Christmas to be kind words, Not "I don't celebrate Christmas!" or "I don't say Merry Christmas!". Can't anyone go with the flow for a few weeks?

I want Christmas to be as pain free as possible, I really hate the way you belittle the cashier, clerk or customer service person.

I want Christmas to be fun-not a gift giving game where you have to outspend the other person.

I want Christmas to be a nice meal, a nice day, a nice time-Peace on Earth, while I digest my dinner?

Maybe being short of money is a blessing in disguise?

Cook me casserole, give me a recipe. I want a hug, phone call or even an email? Tell me that you miss me, you thought about me yesterday or last week.

I don't want a great deal from Christmas.

I just want it to be Christmas again!