by Staff Writer Stephany Mendia

Christmas? Well it’s the most wonderful time of the year! There are chestnuts for roasting, marshmallows for toasting and Jesus’s birthday to celebrate!

I read the most interesting short story the other day, that you have probably all heard of — Jesus’s birthday being forgotten about due to Santa. If you haven’t read it, here’s the idea:

Jesus: Santa?
Santa: Yes?
Jesus: I’m sad.
Santa: Why are you sad? It’s Christmas right? It’s your birthday!
Jesus: Yeah. That’s the point
Santa: Why?
Jesus: Because whenever it’s Christmas, the kids only wait for you and not me! They only celebrate Christmas because of you! Why Santa, why not Jesus? Dec. 25 is for Jesus not for Santa.

When I read this, I started to think about the day I turned 13. Probably the worst birthday ever, and to top it all off, one of my closest guy friends never wished me happy birthday. (more…)

Yeah. We know. Christmas is less than a week away. And you’re thinking, If I don’t have all my gift-shopping done now, I’m out of luck! Didn’t we tell you we’re here for you? Um, it’s still true. Just sayin’…

So because we know that sometimes life gets crazy and you realize you forgot to buy something for your slightly crazy half-cousin Mary Sue, we’re highlighting the best charity (aka online) gifts you can give. Basically you can buy a super-useful gift for someone in poverty and send a card to Mary Sue, letting her know you donated in her honor. So not only can you knock that person off your gift list, you can help change the world. Yeah. Pretty awesome.

(more…)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

Presents are a big part of Christmas time. So, I thought I’d share about a present I got (although not for Christmas) that had an impact beyond simply another ugly Christmas sweater or socks and underwear. This gift involved what I would truly call a “trip of a lifetime” with my dad.

Everyone has passions in life, certain things that they could talk about or do forever and never get tired of it. For me, one of those passions is watching baseball. Chicago Cubs fan. For those of you who don’t watch baseball, just know the Cubs set the standard for consistent losing. (more…)

…And other things I’m sick of hearing.

By Editor Abbie Miller

So, confession time with Abbie. (And don’t get excited – no stories of coffee shop humiliation today.)

Ready? Here goes… (more…)

Yep. We know. You’ve been eagerly anticipating Monday to see what new gifts we will suggest. It may be the first time you’ve looked forward to a Monday. =) Well, the wait is over! This week it’s time to explore the best fun gifts.

You’ve heard us talk about this one before, but we’re crazy about Funglish, $20. It’s not your average board game. It’s like Pictionary, but with words. Which is super fun for those of us whose stick figures would stump Picasso. A perfect gift for friends who like to have fun. We think this game rocks. (more…)

Want a good Christmas laugh? Check out this video from Rhett and Link. Merry charisma wrist! (You’ll understand that after you watch the video.)

by Staff Writer Matthew VanTryon

Last year, I knew what I wanted for Christmas long before December rolled around. I decided that I would teach myself to play the guitar — because I assumed that any guy who could play the guitar and carry a tune would be a shoo-in to gain the attention of only the most attractive females at school… and it seemed like a cool skill to have, as well. (more…)

Yep. It’s that time. The time when people go out of their minds trying to find the perfect gifts for their friends and family. And since we care about you, we’re gonna help you out. It’s a crazy world out there and you really do not wanna wander out unprepared. Heaven forbid, in your quest for a great gift, you accidentally come between a grandma and the last toy of choice. (Seriously. It would be bad.)

Each Monday from now until Christmas we’ll be throwing out awesome gift ideas. This week we’re focusing on gifts for the artists or writers in your life. Not just because we’re artists and writers. (Okay, maybe it is. But we had to start somewhere!) (more…)