Is there anything better than the holidays? I mean, aside from fresh crab and shrimp, a nice brew and a never ending supply of drinks with little umbrellas, whilst chillin’ on the beach, of course.

I sit here in this lovely TC home on the eve of Christmas Eve. A sweet little retro Christmas tree sparkles in the living room corner, the dogs are snoring, the sun is glistening off of the snow and a Dog the Bounty Hunter marathon is on A&E. Life is good today, folks.

Being back in the U.S. of A. has been an interesting transition for your’s truly. I now drive almost everywhere instead of walking. Money has, yet again, become a number one goal. I now carry around a BlackBerry. And self indulgence is EVERYWHERE!

This holiday has always brought me hope and joy. I have always enjoyed watching the gifts that I give light up the faces of others. Getting has always been fun, but it is giving that brings me the most happiness at Christmastime. Which is why, this year, I am a bit confused.

What is the deal with people complaining about Christmas shopping? When did the joy of Christmas turn into a stressed filled punch line? Every year, I take a day for myself, usually during the last week before Christmas as I LOVE the hustle and bustle of that time, and I go shopping. This year was a bit different as I am still rebuilding the savings account. But, the ritual remained. I turn the car radio to the all day Christmas music station, down a glass of egg nog and roll. Christmas spirit is thick in the malls and shops this time of year, but so is the whining.

I have grown tired of hearing all of the complaints about long lines, too many people, not enough time, etc. It seems to me that many people fail to realize that the vast majority of this planet’s population could not fathom spending a fraction of what is being spent by one Wal-Mart customer during the Christmas “shopping” season. Those that complain, as they load their carts and trunks, are failing to see the wonder that is happening before them. They can afford to buy and buy and buy until their list is finished. This is not something that should cause stress, nor should it cause anger or complaints. The gift that has already been given to the fortunate few who are able to fill the underside of a Christmas tree with needed and wished for treasures is something that that most people in this world will never have, many will never even be able to imagine it.

Furthermore, let us not forget what this season is REALLY all about. Christmas is a time of reflection, togetherness and joy. It is a time to ponder one’s soul and to share the spirit. This is the greatest of all holidays for so much more than just pretty paper wrapped around pretty things.

God willing, I will be spending my next Christmas in Florida or Hawaii or some other tropical locale (seriously). Yet, no matter where I am in this world I will never forget the lessons that have been taught to me throughout each Christmas of my life. Lessons of selflessness and giving passed on to me by parents, friends and those so poor that one mall shopping trip for me would pay for their entire family’s year of life, will be with me forever. I have seen the joy of giving and love during this season within the poorest of third world communities. Life is good, life is great. During Christmas, this fact can simply not be ignored.

Merry Christmas everyone! Now, if you don’t mind, I have some research for living in Hawaii to do (aka, I need to watch some more Dog, yo!) Aloha!