I don't always send them, but I always intend to! I have been pretty good, a couple years in a row now... Like Bill, I think it's an extra special treat to those who get one from me, the odds are dodgy!! It sure is a feeling of accomplishment, getting those cards in the mailbox. I also write a short personal message, since I don't have kids or photos or newsletters to share. It gets a little tedious to write in each one, but I make sure I have eggnog and carols playing and make it festive. This year I wrote half while watching "Holiday Inn." I like reading the newsletters, even when they are braggy! Usually they are from relatives I don't keep in touch with so it's just a nice record of their year. I don't mind cards that are just signed (always the photo ones) but I prefer the ones with a message! I also don't compare give-to-recieve. I am sure I've fallen off a list or two for the years I missed, but I send cards to people I want to extend a greeting to, not to those whom I owe anything!

I won't be tipping anyone this year for Christmas 1. POSTAL Carrier: I did gift something special to Donna who was our only carrier for 20 years. Since she retired last year the rural route I live on now has at least 4 different carriers each week and the mail is delivered more often wrong than right. Tip? I don't think so! 2. TRASH: can pickup man makes $5.35 per hr more and the driver of the truck makes $9.50 more per hr. than I. They also have better benefits. Often I have to chase down the rd for my trash can because it has been tossed down and rolls away down the hill. Tip? I don't think so! 3. HOUSE STAFF/Helpers: YES How much depends on what I can afford a Christmas bonus and a B-day gift. These are people who have been my extra hands for years. 4. STYLIST/manicurist: I tipped each service, so No to holiday tip. I don't have salon services often. My hair nails and such I do myself or we friends and daughters have "gals night" where we help each other, have snacks & drinks and talk, watch movies or whatever. More fun than a night at a bar or the movies. 5. PAPER DELIVERY PERSON: Yes I had a young man for years who delivered regular and everyday. I gave him a nice gift of cash $20-$25 for the Holidays. He had the paper to my front door everyday on time and made sure it would be dry if it rained. When he graduated and moved on a man and wife took over. I got tired of paying for a newspaper and not getting it delivered or wet, tattered, having to search the bushes for it when it was. So now when I want one I go to the store and pick one up. Tip? I don't think so! When someone does regular services for me or goes beyond the expected I try to gift as generously as possible. For many of us the budget this year is slim to say the least. debby_ab said she tipped "because I feel guilted into it." I can understand that sentiment. I have tipped a bad server because I felt guilted into it by the folks I was with. NO MORE, NEVER AGAIN The next time I got a bad server the tip consisted of a pamphlet of "hints and tips" How to Serve Better & Receive a Generous Tip from a Past Server. When you feel that the person deserves a bit of extra, you have the funds available and it feels good to give then by all means do. In these harder times right now don't feel you have to "Holiday tip" because it is customary or others do. Happy Holidays LIL

#1 Dreaming of a white Christmas #2 Joy to the world #3 Away in a manger #4 We three kings #5 Deck the halls #6 Jingle bells #7 Noel #8 Walking in a winter wonderland #9 Go tell it on the mountain #10 I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus #11 Hark the herald angels? #12 Dashing through the snow #13 #14 #15 #16 O holy night #17 O little town of Bethehem #18 #19 Silent night #20 #21 O Christmas tree #22 Chestnuts roasting on an open fire #23 O come all ye faithful #24

I'm posting the Jan. - Feb. Round Robin Swap so I hope this gives everyone time to see it and sign up if they want with the few extra days tacked on - although by now we are very close to January - so I'm not as early as I expected. Two or three members offered to add extra seeds and they will get the package towards the beginning of the swap so there can be a wider variety and a larger number of packs to choose from when it comes to you.