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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• Music Review: Sarah Brightman - A Winter Symphony

  A tremendous collection of songs in celebration of winter.

  Review by Jordan Richardson — on Nov 28, 2008

• Music Review: Mary Chapin Carpenter - Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs Of Christmas

  Mary Chapin Carpenter releases a Christmas album filled with grace and spirit.

  Review by David Bowling — on Nov 23, 2008

• Off-Kilter Coffee Table Tomes: Okay, Not Exactly Ideal Stocking Stuffers...

  Gift ideas from Russian Criminal Tattoo compendiums to oversized Elliott Erwitt dog photo books, and classic Arrow Collar ads to American avocado farmer nods.

  Review by Gordon Hauptfleisch — on Nov 22, 2008

• The Atheist's Guide to Christmas

  It came without credit. It came without banks. It came without financing, savings, or angst.

  Opinion by Diana Hartman — on Nov 22, 2008

• The Woes of Holiday Words

  Merry Christmas no more.

  Opinion by Sarah Gray — on Nov 22, 2008

• Attention Shoppers: Bah Humbug?

  This retail season is going to look like no other in recent history.

  News by Lisa Solod — on Nov 22, 2008

• ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas" 2008

  I'm getting ready for some "Jingle Bells."

  Opinion by Josh Lasser — on Nov 21, 2008

• Music Review: Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison: Legacy Edition (2CD+DVD)

  At Folsom Prison: Legacy Edition is a must-have if you don’t own it, and a valuable upgrade if you do.

  Review by Gordon S. Miller — on Nov 20, 2008

• Web Site Review: Gifts.com

  Does the mall crowd make you crazy? Try cruising this Web site in your bunny slippers instead.

  Review by Midnight Operetta — on Nov 20, 2008

• DVD Review: The Berenstain Bears: Christmas Tree

  The Berenstain Bears celebrate the holidays... or not.

  Review by Josh Lasser — on Nov 19, 2008

• Make Your Own Holiday Compilation CDs

  Looking for a meaningful yet inexpensive gift? Creating holiday compilation CDs give your friends and family an instant keepsake.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Nov 18, 2008

• Book Review: Nigella Christmas by Nigella Lawson

  The Manolo Blahnik of cookbooks: lavish and practical at the same time.

  Review by Maggie Ball — on Nov 15, 2008

• PC Game Review: JumpStart 3D Virtual World: My First Adventure

  Knowledge Adventure gives your kids a head start on learning!

  Review by Fitz — on Nov 12, 2008

• Celebrating Advent at Christmastime

  Advent doesn't require giving gifts, and doesn't rely on any "things" other than a Bible, candles, and a wreath.

  Opinion by Phillip Winn — on Oct 31, 2008