‘Twas the eve before Christmas and all through downtown,
not a single soul resting—no time to slow down!
With twinkle lights hung (precarious in the rain)
in hopes that next year this won’t happen again.
The wish lists were gripped, e’en taken to beds,
while visions of bright price tags danced in their heads.
Our customs, traditions—how stressors do climb!
This season merely asks: “Spend less money; more time.”
– Written by J.M. Murdoch (c)2015 –
[This imperfect poem is a nod to “The Night Before Christmas,” first published anonymously on December 23rd, 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in upstate New York.]
My most recent article published to the Salem Weekly focuses on slowing down this holiday season. Spend more time with your loved ones, and spend less money. The best things in life do not have a price tag, but if you are in need of gifts for friends and family, I encourage you to shop local, wherever you live. 
By buying from your local (private, non-corporate) businesses, you are helping those shop owners support their own families and dreams this Christmas, and year-round. Help make Salem and its surrounding areas a strong and vibrant community. You can read the full article on the Salem Weekly website by clicking HERE, or by picking up the Salem Weekly newspaper at one of over 700+ locations in the local area.
The article also includes numerous unique and authentic “things to do” for the holidays, which won’t break the bank, but encourages spending quality time with others in order to make priceless, memorable experiences this winter. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Cheers,
Jessica Murdoch
