[Miz Pat]

My goal this year is to say emphatically that I will not go into debt over Christmas. I have a budget, I will stick to it. But more importantly, I won't let money be the determining factor for Christmas. I can sing, put up my ancient but well loved artificial tree, and enjoy the rich traditions of my faith.

I plan on starting out by suprising my husband on December 6, which is the feast day of St. Nicholas with a special soup, and a stocking with a few small items, probably exotic foods (he loves to try those).

What I have noticed about Christmas is the emphasis the advertising puts on that gifts must be expensive, ornate or what they always wanted. You know what I always wanted? A paid off house. That's not something we can put under a tree. But I can ask for a label maker, new shoes and new slacks for work (which can come from a thrift store). My husband wants some special headphones.

I have 3 nephews and 3 nieces. I can't afford to buy them all gifts, but I can get one special gift for one child, so this year, Ana gets something. They have learned that Aunt Pat doesn't have a lot of money, but she does love them. One year I wrote them a story about them defeating Godzilla, decorated it with pictures of them and Godzilla from the web, and sent them a large Godzilla doll. I was cool aunt! My boss gets a gift, my husband, Ana and myself. I have friends who may be in need and they might get a coupon for groceries or cash. That's it!

May we all have a meaningful Christmas