THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME

The older I get, the more I love Christmas. One case in point is that I went shopping on Black Friday. With a little negotiating, I told my wife and our daughter that I'd go at 6 AM, but no earlier.

To many, that doesn't count. Not for those who started the night before waiting in line for the bargains. Many, including our oldest granddaughter would normally be finished by the time I was ready to commence.

I didn't hear enough Christmas songs in the stores for me. I don't want them too early. But as soon as Thanksgiving is over, my car radio station is tuned to 99.9 FM, a channel that plays nothing but Christmas songs till the holiday. My first song of the year was "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree", a great one. Three hours later, they repeated it to my satisfaction.

They all can't be seasonal without being religious, either. A steady dose of "O Holy Night," "What Child is This," and "Away in a Manger," are staples that I don't tire of during the season.

"Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time," "Walking in a Winter Wonderland," and a bevy of others "make the season bright" for me. Christmas plays and parties, well I can't get enough.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas," "A Christmas Carole," and of course "Charlie Brown's Christmas" are required viewing.

I could go on and on, but allow me to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2011. Doesn't seem possible, does it?