All They Want For Christmas Is...

So the holiday season is finally here. And what do we do to celebrate this tremendous occasion? Buy frivolous things in bulk, of course!

But I digress. Christmas is a pretty awesome holiday. Every year we always look forward to it and we attempt reflect on the year's milestones with our loved ones. That's if we're not knee-deep in newspaper ads or watching Christmas specials on television, of course. But regardless, this is the precise time to remember what's truly important in life.

It's not about the Playstation 3's, the iPod's or the ugly sweaters your grandma makes you every year (but admit it, you secretly really like them). It's about being thankful for everything you have in the here-and-now and giving to those who are unable to.

We have blown Christmas up into a business and a commodity rather than a celebration of what's important in our lives. Sit down, relax. The mall isn't going anywhere and you don't want to lug those big bags like a pack mule anyway. Instead, have a cup of hot chocolate and reminisce of holidays past. Plus, you don't have to get a gift receipt for that.

But despite the joy of the season we experience, we often take that for granted. We must remember those who don't have that luxury this time of year.

Instead of rushing into the store to get the "best prices" on materialistic things that may be used once or twice (if that at all), take a dollar or some pocket change and give it to a charity in front of the store every time you walk in. It may not be much (it's not like they're asking you to pull an Angelina Jolie or anything), but it goes a long way, and you can feel good about helping someone less fortunate out. Because that's what the season is all about, right? Right.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate is currently at 10 percent with a total of 135,000 jobs lost monthly. That means a lot of people won't be able to afford a Christmas this year.

As being a victim of this recession (twice!) and a victim of the seemingly unpredictable Unemployment Benefit Program, it's definitely hard to provide on meager wages set by the California government. But despite that, I'm thankful that I've managed to get back on my feet and am able to give a little bit of Christmas cheer this year.

Every Christmas I try and do a gift donation to a charity, like The Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree, and make someone's holiday a happy one. While looking at the wishlists this year, it's incredible that the simplest things are on the top of their Christmas list. Everything from a cartoon character toothbrush to even socks is what these kids want more than anything. It's also enlightening to me because we often take these things for granted, when some are struggling just to get the necessities.

So just remember not to be a Grinch and pay it forward. Not only will you be putting a smile on your loved ones' faces this Christmas, but you'll make others smile too. And happiness is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to others and yourself.

An Open Letter...

Dear Lady Gaga,

First of all, how can anyone with that name be taken seriously? Whenever I hear some little girl with multi-colored skinny jeans and ratty hair go, "Oh my gawd, did you hear that new Lady Gaga song?", I honestly think that it's the new version of The Wiggles or Sesame Street. Seriously, stop making me feel so old. I still have some kind of reputation to uphold with my 22 years of age, you know.

But that's besides the point. I'm writing because I have a bone to pick with you, Ms. Gaga. You've been popping up on my radar more times than I can count lately. From your little stunt on the MTV VMA's to your new album The Fame Monster, you've been the talk of the town when it comes to the purveyors of pop culture. And trust me when I say I read gossip blogs more than I'd like to admit.

It seems like you've gone beyond your cult popularity status in New York and Yahoo! searches trying to figure out if you're a man or not (which even I'm not entirely sure to this day). In all honesty, when your song "Just Dance" came out last year, I thought you were just going to be a one-hit wonder. Because let's face it, whatever song Akon touches loses a lot of credibility. "Konvict music"? Please.

But you've manage to claw your way up the charts with your hair bows, leotards and exploding bras. You're just full of surprises, aren't you?

Also, your music video for "Paparazzi" is what bad acid trips are made out of. Gilded suits and shoe licking? Okay. And stay away from my man Alexander Skarsgard while we're at it. I don't want you tainting his European awesomeness any more than you already have.

And you can't speak Swedish to save your life, by the way.

But through your kitsch and you looking eerily like a young Donatella Versace, I can't help but be sucked into your music, Madam Gaga. Your pop sensibility is undeniable and your appearance on Saturday Night Live made you incredibly likeable (I mean, who wouldn't want to pull Madonna's hair?). It almost made me want to go out and buy a bubble dress for myself. Kind of.

Your new album is so good that I've been playing it for weeks. My friends and I have already dubbed "Dance in the Dark" our official car jam; we get stares from old people when we sing along to it. Again, I do have a reputation that doesn't uphold itself! You think I like being laughed at by old people and teenagers in their fast cars? Hell to the no.

Oh, and your video for "Bad Romance" totally makes up for your lame earlier ones. Bear-skin robes and crazy eyes? Yes, please.

So, in short Lady Gaga, I have been converted to your pop-centric circus. I hope you're happy. I even became a fan on Facebook! Now that's dedication.

To be honest, you're not so bad after all. But girl, you gotta put some pants on.