Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire

"The Christmas Song" is my all-time favorite Christmas song....preferably Nat King Cole's version. It embodies warmth, coziness, and an undeniable Christmas spirit. Yuletide carols being sung by the choir - I can remember strolling from house to house with my friends singing our favorite Christmas melodies. Homeowners happily opened their doors and smiled from ear-to-ear as the youth of their neighborhood serenaded them. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight - I can also remember as a young girl curling up in my bed, promising myself that I wouldn't fall asleep so I would know when Santa had arrived and to see if reindeer really know how to fly. Inevitably, my eyelids couldn't hold their own against a long day of excitement and anticipation, and finally closed for a long winter's nap. There was nothing better than waking up on Christmas morning and running to the Christmas tree to see the treasures Santa had left. My tiny tot's eyes were aglow as he climbed down the stairs to find that Santa had brought him a John Deere tractor. I love Christmas, as do all kids from one to ninety-two. A local radio station started streaming Christmas music online on October 30, then started playing the Christmas tunes on the radio in late November. I've honestly been listening to Christmas music since October 30. I know it's crazy. There's just something about those songs; the old ones, not the Madonna version of Santa Baby. "The Christmas Song" was composed in 1946. Listen to it (and others from that time), really listen to it. It just seems like things were so much simpler then and people were more caring and sincere. I truly worry about our world, what it has become, and what the future holds. I brought another life into this world and will do my very best to teach him values and morals and to stand up for what's right. I want him to be happy, always. I pray that this world has enough good in it to overcome the challenges. I really do love Christmas and there's nothing better than spending an entire day with family. I have countless blessings as the year 2008 comes to a close, and anxiously await all the new treasures 2009 will bring. Although it's been said many times, many ways....a very Merry Christmas to you. And a Happy New Year, too!