Friday night, at 7pm, the Elmwood Village Association is having its tree lighting at Lafayette Church. We will fire up the lights, drink some hot chocolate, and sing some carols together. It costs nothing, and should be fun times.

If you really want to get into the holiday spirit, then come out Thursday night, when we will be decorating Lafayette's tree, starting with a Chili dinner at 6pm.

I am breaking from my pattern of "10 things I like about . . ." because I liked the rules that felly made for herself, and so I am going to make my own.

1. Shop online (I'm already following this one, everything is cheaper and far less stressful)

2. Be generous (not only with gifts, but with time, and in dealing with attitudes/personalities)

3. Buy local and/or used items whenever possible.

4. Take time for prayer, for silence, and reflection.

5. Don't give any time to arguments about "keeping Christ in Christmas." (I love Jesus, don't get me wrong, but I am not going to be insulted if Target doesn't acknowledge him. It's probably better if they stick to "happy holidays," and leave my faith alone.)

6. Remember that not every person likes Christmas, and it is a particularly painful time for many, regardless of their faith.

7. Don't overindulge. Too much food and/or alcohol seems like it will make things more fun, but normally a moderate amount is better.

8. Don't forget to celebrate. Refusing to eat ONE cookie is just a ridiculous as eating 12 (and even less fun!). Christmastime is a great time to party.

9. In connecting with the people mentioned in rule 6., invite them along in ways that make them feel comfortable whether they participate or not.

10. Be merry when possible, but not if it requires faking it.

1. Going home.

2. Seeing extended family.

3. Seeing old friends.

4. A game of football or street hockey.

5. Stuffing.

6. Pumpkin Pie.

7. Not working.

8. Cable tv at Mom and Dad's house.

9. The political discussion. (always at least 4 parties represented, sometimes more)

10. Watching football.

I could probably list another 10 things, easy. Thanksgiving is great.

This is probably what next Sunday's sermon will be, unless I change it between now and then, or your comments add a particular insight.

It may not be as powerful as google, but if you decide to make goodsearch your primary search engine, it will allow my church to raise a couple of bucks, (until Paul registers estrip with goodsearch), which I recommend. And it uses Yahoo!, so it does a pretty good job of searching.

Please go to goodsearch.com and add it to your toolbar as your primary search engine. I would love it if you made Lafayette Church the non-profit you choose to support, at least until estrip signs up.

It doesn't cost you a thing!