A Plain Brown Paper Bag

This little Christmas Village was created by me last year. You would never know that it was a Baseball Platform Mound.

The biggest and best surprises in life can come in a plain brown paper bag.

I hated the day that plastic grocery bags came into existence. In my twenties and thirties, I was very firm about asking for paper instead of plastic.

But then, I became middle-aged. Those plastic bags have handles, making easier to carry several of them at once. I turned over to the Dark-Side and gave in to the Plastic Forces!

Our landfills are full of nasty reminders that plastic doesn't grow old gracefully like paper does. There is a great deal of talk about renewable resources and energy, but somehow, the plastic question gets ignored.

In about 100 years, our garbage will become an archeological study. Just imagine a scholar uncovering a landfill with tons of dirty diapers, plastic toys and styrofoam fast-food containers.

Lately, we have been barraged with the plastic things in life. Holidays are no longer for families, but for retail stores. Saving $100.00 on a TV or Toy is more important than spending time with our loved ones. Each holiday sale has become more frenzied than the last.

Surely, I can call upon Luke Skywalker to save me from the Dark-Side of Plastic and free me from the dilemma of having to choose between paper or plastic at the grocery store.

This year, I am giving serious thought to creating grab bags for the grandkids on Christmas Eve. I might even hide them around the house for a treasure hunt.

We have loved ones and friends who are lonely or alone. And there some of us who need to make amends to those we have wronged. Or worse, yet, we have missed the opportunity to say; "I love You" or "I am Sorry."

Each hug, kiss or words of endearment will linger far longer in our hearts than any gift-wrapped Door-Buster Bargain.

Have a great week everyone!