Well, it’s Christmas time, again. This year, as we look around us, there’s an awful lot of news pouring out of the media as a daily reminder of just how bad off we all are. Many have lost money in the stock markets or through investment companies. Others have just plain lost their jobs through the negligence of companies who have taken their business elsewhere. More, like employees at Severstal in Warren and GM in Lordstown, are being laid off until who knows when? Forum Health, especially Northside Medical Center, hangs in the balance and employees wonder daily ‘‘is this my last day?’’ Let me say I’ve noticed a definite difference in shopping patterns this year. I’ve made trips to several stores like Kohl’s in Niles and Walmart in Bazetta. Imagine my shock and disbelief when I come out unscathed, not having been bumped, jostled or down right run over by the crowds. I usually stick to late-night shopping trying to avoid those things. This year, I haven’t had to worry.