IT AIN'T TEXAS BABY

It's Arizona. Anthem, AZ just a few miles north of us. We just came from there as we finished up our Xmas shopping. Now, of course if you think I would ever write Xmas, you're right. It bothers me. I just like to think those who do, have written sloppily and the x was the cross that just fell down. I might not be too opposed to CrossMas because that would stand for the cross of Christ--the reason He came to earth in the first place. To die for us sinners and provide salvation for us who believe in Him.

But I never did explain what was in Anthem besides a huge outlet mall. The nation's tallest fresh cut Christmas tree. 110 feet tall held up by three huge guy wires. Decorated beautifully and topped off by a three-foot copper star representing the state of Arizona. Maybe a little on the secular side; pride in statehood is not necessarily a good thing. But it is a beautiful tree.

And while addressing pride, how about Dubai? They must not have heard of our tree in Anthem. Their tree is the most expensive tree topping out at 11 million dollars. Complete with real diamonds and solid gold ornaments.

Anthem and Dubai have come a long way from Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. Which has also gone commercial and is on sale at Macy's.

Have a Merry, Merry One in 2010. No matter the size, cost, or decorations of your CrossMas Tree