A Note to My Family

So I am listening to Christmas music at work, and this one song comes on – you know, one of those depressingly melancholy songs – and it made me reminisce about Christmas growing up. How incredibly fortunate we were to have such a beautiful and warm celebration each year. I can remember sneaking around with Bill – purposely walking past the tree with our eyes closed just to build anticipation. Or leaving a note for Santa that was answered every year (funny how Santa had the same handwriting as Dad!). Or Doug INSISTING that Sputnik gets a place of honor on the tree. Or Dad holding Mom up by her pants as she tried to get the old glass ornaments high up on the tree before we destroyed them. Mostly, I remember how fun it was. With Manheim Steamroller playing in the background and all of us lounging around the living room. I think how many kids (or parents) never have that sense of warmth and of belonging. How many associate Christmas with materialism. How many rush to get out of the house because they can’t stand being with family. How many struggle just to find enough food for the day.

People wonder why I love Christmas so much.

With those memories, how could I not?

I love you all.