Christmastime

Merry Christmas! I can't believe Christmas is only four days away. Where has the time gone? Christmas seems to arrive quicker the older I get. It comes and goes too fast. I wish it could last a little bit longer.

This is my favorite time of year. I just love the Christmas spirit of peace, goodwill, and giving. It would be great if this spirit lasted all year round. I also like that it is a great excuse to gather together family and to see friends.

Other things I like about Christmas:

• The music. It really gets me in the Christmas spirit. Songs such as Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Christmas Song, I'll Be Home for Christmas, White Christmas, Silent Night, Jingle Bells, Happy Xmas (War is Over), Feliz Navidad, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, A Holly Jolly Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Winter Wonderland, and Silver Bells. But, I could go on and on.


• The decorations. There is something joyful about seeing houses, trees, yards and buildings festooned with colored lights and decorations. It brings out my inner child and brings a smile to my face. Seeing the Christmas tree adorned with lights and decorations and colored packages arrayed around it gives me a warm feeling inside.


• The Christmas shows. Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol, and the music programs on PBS and other stations. It would not be Christmas without them.


• Seeing the excitement and joy in my niece and nephews at Christmastime. It brings back memories of Christmastime as a wide-eyed and excited child waiting for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to come. The arrival of Santa Claus bearing gifts on Christmas Eve was the height of excitement for me.

Above are pictures of Lucky enjoying the season. He's had fun climbing the Christmas tree, swatting ornaments around, or running away with them in his mouth. He must think we filled the house with decorations just for him to play with.