Greetings to all folks near and far. I send wishes for a blessed and Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

I hope you all survived the Black Friday Christmas shopping experience. Me, I stayed home and worked on some projects I am making for gifts.

We have had some snow off and on here in Washoe County, Nevada, and it has been cold! At least we are getting some sunshine on most days.

Some tips for Christmas shopping:

- Leave the kids at home with a trusted sitter or family member. Too many children have been hurt, lost, or kidnapped during holiday crowds at the stores.

- Avoid carrying a lot of cash with you. Use a credit card if possible.

- Park in a well-lit area and lock your car. Make sure any gifts inside are hidden so they will not be a temptation to a their.

- Dress comfortable. This is no time to be wearing shoes that kill your feet or clothes you have to keep tugging at.

- Take your list and any coupons or sales ads with you.

- Be alert and safe at all times.

- If there is an Angel Tree in a store, it would be nice to leave a gift for a child in need.
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Here are my articles from November:

Aesop, Writer of Fables or a Myth?
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art30682.asp

Brothers Grimm Folk and Fairy Tale Collections
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art9165.asp

Chicken Soup and Dumplings
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8645.asp

Odin, Norse God of Wisdom
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5539.asp

Freyja, Norse Goddess of Love
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art5396.asp

I hope you enjoy the articles. As always, I welcome feedback.
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One Christmas, I had just moved into a new home. With the expense of moving and stocking my pantry, buying a few gifts, I had no money left. It was the first time in my life I had no Christmas tree. I was pretty sad about that. When I began unpacking, I came across a corner shelf unit I had to put back together -- you know, those old-fashion triangle shelves, each one smaller as you go up. After I put it together and sat it in my corner, a thought came to me: This is where I would put my tree if I had one. So - I put some Christmas ornaments on the shelves and a string of lights around it and I had myself the cutest little Christmas tree ever. I was very proud of it. When my kids came to visit that Christmas, they loved my little tree. One can always make do when you have to.

What is your most memorable Christmas? Come and join my forum and share your memories with us.

Till next time, may your home be filled with laughter and may it ring from floor to rafter.

Blessings and walk in peace and harmony.
Phyllis
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Phyllis Doyle Burns, Folklore and Mythology Editor
http://folklore.bellaonline.com

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