Though its only June it will soon be time to turn our attention to Christmas. The tree will go up, the house will be decorated and the yard will be all a glow with Christmas scenery. It is my favorite time of year. Each year we drag out a thousand lights, drop cords and spend a few good hours setting up the yard for passer’s by the kids and us to enjoy. Each year I think back to how magical those Christmas’ were when I was a kid and how Christmas eve getting together with family seemed perfect just like in the movies. As you get older though sometimes the movie seems more like “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation”. I remember those years when I woke up at 1:00, 2:00 or 3:00 AM and could not go back to sleep or waking up and sneaking to the living room and not seeing anything under the tree where Santa had come. But never fear when we woke up the next morning there were seemingly ton’s of toys under the tree. I remember the first football uniform, the first bike…. It was a Jaws bike with a banana seat. And of course the Atari game system. I played that thing all morning and into the night. Boy how games have come a long way now. Also remember back to past Christmas Eve’s and the fun had with Family that have long since past away and sometimes wish we could go back and soak in those nights around the dinner table and opening presents. I don’t remember the presents from back then but I do remember the good times we had. Not only was that time magical but family and parents made it more special. Now I try my best to make this time of year just as magical or more for my kids. After all this is Christmas that’s right CHRISTmas not Xmas. The reason for the season was the baby in the manger we celebrate at this time of year. Jesus’ birthday. When I got married years ago my wife’s grandmother had a birthday party every year for Jesus and would let off balloons and the whole nine yards. I know the world wants us to not offend any one and call it a holiday tree or year end celebrations. But as for me I am thankful there are still some out there that refuse to give in and still celebrate Christmas. So from my family to your’s MERRY CHRISTMAS.