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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• Jay's Best Indie Christmas Music in Video

  Fa-la-la-la-la, my friends. Xmas is doomed to be musical. At your service: the best mostly indie Xmas music videos.

  Review by Jayson Harsin — on Dec 15, 2008

• Movie Review: Nothing Like the Holidays

  This is what a holiday reunion movie is all about.

  Review by Chris Beaumont — on Dec 15, 2008

• Christmas Music Review: Faith Hill, Gretchen Peters, and Julianne Hough Just a Little Bit Country

  These holiday songs remain (mostly) the same, but 'tis the season for music yule truly love.

  Review by Michael Bialas — on Dec 13, 2008

• Music Review: Harry Connick, Jr. - What a Night! A Christmas Album

  Harry still does big band right, even at Christmas!

  Review by Fitz — on Dec 13, 2008

• Music Review: Various Artists - Verve Remixed Christmas

  A great disc to add to your not-so-traditional holiday music collection.

  Review by Sterfish — on Dec 12, 2008

• Movie Review: Fred Claus

  Kris bliss...

  Review by Louis Boram — on Dec 09, 2008

• Music Review: Straight No Chaser - Holiday Spirits

  Straight No Chaser presents an a cappella Christmas.

  Review by David Bowling — on Dec 09, 2008

• DVD Review: Petticoat Junction – The Official First Season

  Although the first season was not the best of the series, the insightful bonus material makes it well worth owning.

  Review by Cinema Sentries — on Dec 09, 2008

• Designing Your Own Holiday Cards

  Simple step-by-step guidelines for creating personal holiday magic.

  Opinion by Dave Nalle — on Dec 09, 2008

• Giving the Gift of Film on DVD

  As you are striking off names of cinephiles from your holiday gift list, consider some of these options.

  Opinion by Rob Rector — on Dec 08, 2008

• Product Review: Etre's Touchy Glove - Keep Warm While Still Using Your iPhone

  New gloves keep your fingers warm, while still allowing access to your touch-screen technology.

  Review by Alyse Wax — on Dec 08, 2008

• Product Review: Digital Foci Image Moments 6 Photo Frame

  Nice display and decent feature set, but could be confusing for novices.

  Review by Mark Buckingham — on Dec 06, 2008

• Putting the "Guide" Back in Gift Giving

  Think about what's most important to your loved one, even — and especially — if it's not important to you.

  Opinion by Diana Hartman — on Dec 06, 2008

• Satire: Kiss A Commie For Christ

  Pucker up, America. It's time to embrace Christ's true message — love, don't kill, thy neighbor.

  Satire by Mark Schannon — on Dec 06, 2008

• How to Legally Buy Hot Merchandise

  If you want to buy some hot merchandise at almost too good to be true prices without putting yourself in jeopardy, read on!

  Review by Ed Dickson — on Dec 05, 2008

• Music Review: We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year

  "Silent Night" - the new metal classic.

  Review by Chris Beaumont — on Dec 04, 2008

• 2008 Holiday Movie Preview: December

  As the 2008 holiday movie season moves into December, some intriguing high profile films look to end the year strong.

  News by Tall Writer — on Dec 02, 2008

• Movie Review: Four Christmases

  Good idea, but it misses the mark.

  Review by Chris Beaumont — on Dec 02, 2008

• Music Review: Tony Bennett Featuring the Count Basie Big Band - A Swingin' Christmas

  Tony Bennett's first Christmas album in 40 years provides the perfect soundtrack for all your holiday festivities.

  Review by Kit O'Toole — on Dec 01, 2008

• Book Review: Crafting Jewish by Rivky Koenig

  Chanukah crafts and recipes are just for starters in this new, beautifully illustrated book.

  Review by Barbara Barnett — on Nov 30, 2008