Oh, Bah Humbug to Bah Humbug Day!

Today I'm saying Bah, Humbug to Bah Humbug Day!

Today is designated for people to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and become a Scrooge for just one day. On this day, everyone is allowed to take out your frustrations just a little and shout "Bah, Humbug!" However, I refuse to participate on this day. Instead, I'm going to try to convince you instead to celebrate my alternate Hug a Scrooge Day! If you insist on celebrating this special day, don't express your frustration to others, but take some time instead to enjoy Charles Dickens' story A Christmas Carol. Here's a short clip from Disney's version showing Scrooge McDuck:

As posted on YouTube by bahhumbugzze

I realize this time of year can be difficult for many when you think about the

• pressure of identifying what to get all those on your Christmas list
  
• finding the special gifts and staying within your budget
  
• finding the parking spot at the mall
  
• fighting the crowds as you shop for the perfect gift
  
• standing in the long lines at the checkout or the post office
  
• getting everything wrapped
  
• trying to read those installation instructions
  
• realizing that batteries are not included on Christmas morn and you have none to spare
  
• for many, celebrating the Christmas months later as all the bills arrive

You likely know a Scrooge...one who expresses disgust with the Christmas holiday, rambles about the commercialization of Christmas, notes how Christmas is just for retailers, complains about the waste of electricity and impact to the environment rather than enjoying the Christmas lights, or complains about all the gifts received. Maybe you have a Scrooge in your family. Today's a great day to hug that Scrooge! When you meet Scrooges over the holidays, show your kindness and goodwill to them.

Maybe you're a little sick of the holidays already. I have some suggestions:

• Take a breather -- take some time to just relax
  
• Reflect on the warmth and kindness shown to you during the last year and think of way to pay it back plus pay it forward
  
• Show goodwill to others - there's still time to drop a toy by most fire or police stations for the needy children in your neighborhood
  
• Show kindness - check on an elderly or sick neighbor during the holidays
  
• Remember, Christmas is not just about giving and receiving gifts. It's a time to spend time with your friends and families. The time you spend with them is far more precious than any gift you can purchase.
  
• Focus on the meaning of the season.

I have found a great animated Christmas light video that is perfect for my e-tour of holiday lights on this special day. Enjoy the Christmas lights to Elvis Presley's Blue Christmas!

As posted on YouTube by grodq

Today I wish that you are not haunted by the disappointments of the past, but celebrate the joy of Christmas in the present, and best wishes in the New Year for a year of joy and blessings yet to come. Hug a Scrooge today!

Image credit: Photo and cookie design by Mari Pfeiffer