We’re in the final days before Christmas and lots of folks are running around trying to find that perfect gift and maybe hoping to receive the perfect gift.  In addition to lots of holiday cards, I’m also getting holiday requests for donations from various charities. It always tugs at my heart when I think of folks needing basics like food and clothes, but even when I see a donation box at the coffee shop, gym or other businesses collecting toys for the little ones.  I try to buy something extra to help someone else in need. Even if it isn’t a big ole electronic game I figure it’ll put a smile on someone’s face.  I read this article in Martha Stewart Living magazine that says giving is good for you and scientists actually say when you donate your time and money to charitable organization- it actually improves your health! I’m sure you’ve heard the stories about folks who give back because their situation got better and someone had done it for them. There’s a woman who reloads a gift card at a local coffee shop so police officers can have free coffee. She doesn’t want to be identified, but she does it because they saved her husband. That’s her way of giving back. I love that story!

And how about the Portsmouth Noblewomen? They teamed up with Portsmouth Police and several other organizations to provide children with toys this holiday season. Look at all the stuff- and the excitement on the faces of both the kids and the volunteers. That’s the spirit of the season… and besides, giving is good for the soul!

It’s the 7th day of December. Christmas is two weeks away and I’ve received three Christmas cards. My first one arrived the day before Thanksgiving.

Nicole's first Christmas card of the season from her brother and sister-in-law

Are you sending cards this year? In years past, I’ve mailed out Christmas and Hanukkah cards by the first week of December. This year, I’m on the fence. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll drop something in the mail to my elderly loved ones and my brother overseas, but in this social networking age- is it really necessary? Postage rates continue to soar and email is cheaper than paper mail, and could save the environment- just not always as personal.  Even the WAVY/Fox 43 team has an e-card this year.  I posted the question on my Facebook page. Here are some of the responses:

Peggy said,  “I love sending out Christmas cards to family and friends. Sometimes it takes just as much time to give a card as it does to buy a gift. I want the card to be just as special as the person recieving the card. Sometimes it’s fun just to send a silly card to someone needs a little picker up at the holiday.”

Judi is on the ball. She wrote “I mailed all 83 of mine last week from Texas while visiting there! I had the granddaughters help me with the labels! Expensive, yes!! But so worth it! Makes my friends and family happy!

Valerie S. posted,  “This is my son’s first Christmas, so, yes, I am sending cards and will include a picture of him.

Wanda said, “I enjoy sending them and receiving them”.

Valerie C. posted “I quit sending them to all but a few elderly relatives. Aside from the cost of cards & postage, sending cards is not very environmentally friendly.”

Shirley said “Yes, I am sending our Christmas cards. I’ll put on some Christmas music, grab a glass of wine and have a wonderful time. “

I understand people with kids want to send the picture cards so we can see how they’ve grown. Even adults are getting into picture cards with announcements about weddings, advanced degrees, new cars and other personal news.  I do like to receive those- especially with cute kids!

Nicole's niece, nephew & sister in law with Santa (a few years ago)

As for saving money and recycling, I have saved Christmas cards over the years and used them as decorations and as labels for packages. Like ornaments, they remind you of the person who gave them to you as time goes on. I usually buy cards at the end of the holiday season when they’re at least half off so that cuts down on the cost, but I have yet to find the box that I packed them in. I do think if I decide to send them, I’m going to shorten the list- remove the folks I  never hear back from either via mail, email, social network or phone.  It is amazing how thoughtful a phone call or a note in the mail seems nowadays when everyone is just texting and emailing. What do you think? Leave your comments below or on my Facebook page.

Happy Holidays!!

That’s how we celebrated  THANKSGIVING at the Roberts’ compound -  watching one of America’s finest soldiers burn off Mrs. Roberts’ world famous turkey – by doing 100 PUSH UPS! And PFC John Hanne did them all in less than 2 minutes! In-freakin’-credible. I can do 100 push ups -  TODAY!  Actually, truth be told, Hanne HAD to do the pushups because he lost a bet. He talked a little smack to his fellow soldiers ’bout dem COWBOYS- thought they were going to kick a little Louisiana tail. In Baltimore we call that – “Selling Wolf Tickets!”  Don’t ask.   Hanne was one of four Ft. Eustis soldiers to join my family and friends for dinner, Thursday. But THEY were the treat.  It all started around 930 as I joined a crowd of about 100 other families at the Hampton Coliseum. 

About 200 military members were matched with families like these from around Hampton Roads. The matching went off without a hitch, thanks to the great efforts and coordination of the USO. So, what did we do all day? Just chilled! My son is the age of the guys and Kevin had the latest video game hook-ups. They were in hog heaven ’til it was time for football.  CLICK! Hello Patriots/Lions, Cowboys/Saints!  But the fellas didn’t hide behind the goal posts all day. They kept popping in the kitchen to check on me and my wife (and the turkeys) – offering to help out with dinner preps. We talked everything – from football, military, what to do ’round the Peninsula, and simply – livin’ life in general – here and back in their hometowns. We found plenty of common ground. Two of the soldiers are parents. All are athletic. None liked the REDSKINS (for the record, we do!) One soldier thought a couple of South Carolina high school football teams were better than Phoebus and Hampton. I asked him what was he smokin’.  One soldier is about to be stationed in KOREA, (my brother and uncle were there) another headed to GERMANY. The others may eventually do time in Afghanistan -keeping our choppers flying or delivering supplies to the frontliners. Their enthusiasm for serving our country was wonderful to hear. 

We fortified them with a home cooked meal and a lot of confidence in knowing that we are thankful for their service and support them 100%.  So, again, John P., Chandler V., Kyle K., and John H., thank YOU for a great Thanksgiving.

Either I’m old and time is flying by more quickly as my grandparents told me it one day would, or the Christmas holiday season is starting wayyyyy too early! I think it’s a little bit of both.

Santa Claus made his debut at MacArthur Center in Norfolk Friday, November 12. That’s 10 days after Election Day and two weeks before Thanksgiving.

Santa at MacArthur Center in Norfolk

I posted his picture on my Facebook page and a lot of folks had a lot to say.

David said this: “I liked the good old days when Christmas decorations didn’t appear until after Thanksgiving, and Santa showed up in the igloo at Mid City Shopping Center (now Wal Mart) in Portsmouth around December 10. Now the glitter is hanging off the jack-o-lanterns and the day to give thanks is just the kick-off for a spending frenzy.”

One of Santa's elves

Jessica posted:  “O my gosh! Already?? I’m not ready for him yet I’m running behind this year. I think I’m still trying to hold on to the 4th of july! LOL”

Maggie wrote: “Santa came strolling thru Patrick Henry mall tonight. I’m sorry but it’s way too early for Santa in the mall!”

The next day in downtown Norfolk, temps rose up into the 60′s and  I noticed the light poles dressed up in holiday decor and the mermaids adorned with a wreath and a bow.

Dressed up light pole in downtown Norfolk

Mermaid in TCC quad decorated for Christmas

Don’t get me wrong,  I love the excitement of the holidays, the tradition, the good food, the time with friends and family, and the gifts… but wow!  It really does seem to come earlier and earlier. Apparently the Black Friday deals are also coming earlier which is great during a down economy. I’m trying to sign up for email lists of my favorite stores and follow them on Facebook and Twitter  so I can get the best prices. I found these tips in another blog. What are your holiday traditions? How do you catch the best deals? Please leave your comments and share with all of us.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Many people to our north and west will have a “White Christmas” until the rain arrives on Christmas Day…

While Virginia and North Carolina usually have less than a 25% chance of a White Christmas, this year will be much different for areas well north and west of Hampton Roads!  Saturday’s snowstorm blanketed the region and snow is still on the ground in places like Richmond, Washington, D.C, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville and Roanoke. 

Here is a look at the current snow depth:

If you want to see the snow, you’ve only got a couple of more days to “drive to it.”  Rain will wash the snow away on Christmas Day.

Happy Holidays!

Meteorologist Cheryl Nelson