Are you Christmas-ready?

It's upon us. In fact, it's only 25 days away. Can you believe it? Where has the time gone?

This time of the year is my favorite. Everything is amazing about it, save the weather. I was reading a Facebook post by Councilmember Todd J. Nock. I agree with what he had to say, "..the older I get the more warm weather matches my vibe." Councilmember Nock is an elected official in Pocomoke, MD. Pocomoke is dubbed "the friendliest Town on the Eastern Shore."

(PHOTO Courtesy of Todd J Nock Campaign Website)

One way to get in the Christmas spirit is to decorate. To incentivize your decorating your home (and particularly putting up a Christmas tree), The Maldon Circulator is sponsoring a contest. The winner will get $100. Now how is that for motivation? The contest rules are explained in this short post, click here.

There are other things you can do to get in the Christmas spirit. For example, get some of your shopping out of the way. It's something about purchasing a gift for someone that brings joy to a person's soul. However, it doesn't have to be anything expensive. In fact, that's one of my pet peeves. Sometimes we go overboard and into debt just for the sake of imagery or "to keep up with the Jones." If you really want to impress someone, take the time to make a gift that is practical and useful (using things from around the house). Not only would you be recycling and therefore protecting the environment, you would be using your creative side of your brain, and you would actually be putting some thought into the gift. If you do decide to purchase something, keep it simple.

Remember the reason for the season. This is a simple phrase, but if you actually think about it--it automatically puts you in the "MOOD" for what the true meaning of the season is all about.

5 QUICK AND INEXPENSIVE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

1) Send Christmas cards to neighbors. You could even drop them off at their doorsteps.

2) Write Christmas poems to give to friends and family.

3) Bake a batch of cookies for family (a cake, cupcakes, brownies). Use Christmas colors.

4) Send out Christmas emails. Let people know you're thinking of them during this season

5) Create an ornament from things you have around the house--the perfect and unique Christmas gift