Feature: Spirit of the Holidays 2008

Blogcritics.org is examining the genuine Spirit of the Holidays this year in a special section. Tough times can turn virtue into necessity. The forthcoming holiday season will be a time of economic uncertainty, but also an opportunity to return to the original meaning of the holidays: family, friends, and tradition vs. untethered commercialism.

Rather than just throwing money at the holidays, this year would be a great time to inject time and thought into the gift giving process. Make gifts and decorations if you have the time or inclination, or at minimum, look for meaningful, personalized gifts that don't have to be expensive.

We will be focusing on this special Spirit of the Holidays this season, and looking at the holiday season from our usual wildly varied perspectives as well.

Columnists

Articles in this feature

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• Brandon Daviet's Top Ten Albums of 2008

  BC Writer Brandon Daviet makes his picks for the best albums of 2008.

  Opinion by Brandon Daviet — on Dec 31, 2008

• A Nervous Breakdown Of My Holiday

  The distance between my children and me has left me with a chronic feeling of unrest I’m not sure I will ever shake.

  Opinion by Diana Hartman — on Dec 30, 2008

• Product Review: Elke E's The Village In Her Head

  It’s heartening to know that some element of magic remains to remind us that it wasn’t such a bad year after all.

  Review by Ray Ellis — on Dec 30, 2008

• Good Luck With New Year's Greens

  Economic crisis got you down? Get these lucky leaves to lift you up.

  Opinion by Eleanor Diekert — on Dec 29, 2008

• Christmas Stocking Tales

  There is a layering of Christmases past for me, sort of like an onion tree ornament that can be peeled off to reveal each year.

  Opinion by Victor Lana — on Dec 25, 2008

• The Gift of Love

  When we believe in magic, it happens. Just believe.

  Opinion by Nazia Mallick — on Dec 24, 2008

• Movie Review: Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage

  'Twas the crud before Christmas...

  Review by A.J. Hakari — on Dec 23, 2008

• Concert Review: Raul Malo Christmas Show at Antones in Austin

  Dancing the night away with the cougars of Westlake to the very excellent voice and rocking Christmas tunes of the great Raul Malo.

  Review by Dave Nalle — on Dec 21, 2008

• Concert Review: The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles - It's a Fabulous Life: Holiday Songs in the Key of Life

  The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles celebrate the holidays with songs, stories, and dance.

  Review by Purple Tigress — on Dec 21, 2008

• Book Review: Don't Stop Believin' - How Karaoke Conquered the World and Changed My Life by Brian Raftery

  A great gift for that friend of yours prone to singing badly at parties and other forms of lampshade wearing fun.

  Review by Glen Boyd — on Dec 21, 2008

• The Return of the Prodigal College Freshman

  Some thoughts on the annual migration of college students for holiday break.

  Opinion by Joanne Huspek — on Dec 21, 2008

• Music Review: Erran Baron Cohen - Songs In The Key Of Hanukkah

  Non-Christmas holiday music from the brother of Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen plays surprisingly well as a standalone record.

  Review by Tan The Man — on Dec 21, 2008

• DVD Review: TV Sets - Holiday Treats

  Adam Becvar (aka Luigi Bastardo) takes on CBS/Paramount's DVD release of eight timeless TV classics.

  Review by Luigi Bastardo — on Dec 19, 2008

• Movie Nuggets Holiday Edition: P2, 1941, Transsiberian, Die Hard, Cast Away, The Thing (1982)

  When you just don't have time for all the details.

  Review by Mark Buckingham — on Dec 19, 2008

• Music Media: Christmas Special

  Christmas tunes to rock to.

  Opinion by Chris Beaumont — on Dec 19, 2008

• Music Review: A Princeton Christmas: For The Children Of Africa, Vol. 1 & 2

  A selection of classic and classical Christmas songs performed by many of the Princeton (NJ) choral ensembles.

  Review by Anna Creech — on Dec 19, 2008

• All I Want For Christmas Is Books

  Nothing else provides as much value as a book. It's the ultimate gift.

  Opinion by Phillip Winn — on Dec 18, 2008

• American Idol Finalist Michael Johns Gives The Gift That Keeps On Giving

  American Idol finalist Michael Johns becomes American Icon through his gift of love.

  News by Ultimat1 — on Dec 17, 2008

• Child's Play Charity 2008 at $1 Million and Counting

  Looks to be another record-setting year for the charity, and there's still time left to get involved.

  News by Mark Buckingham — on Dec 17, 2008

• Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town - After Graduating Boot Camp

  Germany trains him, England thins him, and a drill instructor yells at him.

  Opinion by Diana Hartman — on Dec 15, 2008