Home owners who go crazy on their holiday decorations are not spreading holiday cheer. In fact, they make me see red.

How can one justify this grotesque display of excess? US citizens are in an economic recession, and yet the wealthiest of Americans are flaunting their financial stability in the faces of hard working Americans who can barely afford their heating bill.

But who am I to judge?

I guess I grew up with the notion that the Holidays were a time for giving. A time to reflect on what we have been blessed with, and to find areas to improve in the incoming year on how to give more and make positive resolutions.

For many Americans this year Christmas is going to be non-existant. Children will wake up Christmas morning and for the first time in thier lives not have any presents under the tree. Santa will have skipped over their house this year.

Instead of spending the dough to beef up neighborhood rivalries on holiday lights and decorations, why not donate the extra money to a family who cannot afford a Christmas ham? Or their heating bill this month?