There are so many holidays and observances during the winter months that inevitably most are pulled into the grasps of holiday shopping.  The world of online shopping grows constantly and one can easily get lost in the waves of ads and deals.  Lawchek® has grouped a quick cheat sheet for either shopping for loved ones or using gift money to treat yourself.  We hope you enjoy this selection of different sites of popular and off the beaten path stores.

     So as to help cover most the bases Lawcheck® has also grouped links to various pages for travel, recipes and charitable organizations.

     Shopping in general should be enjoyable.  However, one should keep their consumer rights in mind.  As a quick reference, Lawchek® has compiled references for the Better Business Bureau, Credit Bureaus, and Consumer Affairs’ Offices both nationally and by state.

     In short please enjoy this Newsletter at your leisure and enjoy your winter holidays and observances.  A safe and festive New Years as well J

The winter months are crowded with celebrations and observances, both religious and otherwise.  We hope all of you enjoy this time of reflection and/or celebration.  Here are just a few which will be or have been celebrated in these winter months**:

• General (Western Calendar) Celebration
  New Years Eve
  December 31^st 2000
  New Years Day
  January 1^st 2001

• African-American
  Kwanzaa
  December 26^th 2000

• Bahá’í
  Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha
  November 28^th 2000

• Chinese
  Dongzhi
  December 21^st 2000
  Chinese New Year
  January 24^th 2001

• Christian
  Christmas Eve
  December 24^th 2000
  Christmas Day
  December 25^th 2000
  St Stephen’s Day
  December 26^th 2000

• Hinduism
  Makara Sakranti
  January 14^th 2001

• Islam
  Ramadan
  (Begins)
  November 28^th 2000
  ‘Id al Fitr
  (End of Ramadan - feast begins at sundown)
  December 28^th 2000

• Jainism
  Maun Ekadashi
  December 7^th 2000

• Japanese Calander
  New Years (Gantan)
  January 1^st 2001

• Judaism
  Hanukkah
  December 21^st (Begins in Evening) -29^th 2000

• Sikh
  Birth of Guru Gobind Singh
  January 5^th 2001

• Voudun
  Agoué-Arroyo (Mangé la mer)
  December 12-13^th 2000
  Bain de Noę / Fęte des Membres
  December 25^th 2000

• Wiccan / Pagan
  Yule or Winter Solstice
  December 21^st 2000

**The editor apologizes if any holidays have been left out, I also apologize for variations in spellings since not all translations into English lettering agree J  If you would like to find out more about the above celebrations or find even more events being celebrated around the world, I would suggest a visit to http://www.holidayfestival.com
This site is full of information and has links for further inquiring minds as well J