@Bill Branstetter, for me, for quite some time now, I've viewed Christmas as a joyous time for children. I believe it to be a time of eye widening, jaw dropping mysterious and magical moments. The day of all days to look forward to.

I remember in 1977 my mom gave me a bright red snowmobile suit. Presents didn't matter much to me as a child, maybe because the tangible things didn't matter very much to me. I never really knew what to ask for because my mom earned $3.35 per hour.

But that Christmas when I opened that present, I felt a surge of emotion so intense that I knew right then I would always believe in Santa Clause.

Nearly every kid in the neighborhood had a snowmobile suit and at that moment I felt equal with all of them. The smile didn't leave my face until the early 80's.

All else around me ceased to exist as I slipped in and pulled up that hot tamale colored suit and glanced at my mom as she nodded her approval, even though it was still dark outside. I shot out the front door and ran down the sidewalk at full speed asking the sky to please let it snow.

It wasn’t that morning that I got my wish, but not long after the year 1978 began, more snow than I could hope to imagine blanketed the Midwest in the blink of both eyes, no different than when an Eskimo’s dream causes him to lose touch with his blanket and a part of him is able to bring it back and up over his head without waking up or remembering doing it. To this day, I have yet to be witness to such a blizzard. That was my favorite Christmas….

This year I am sharing the holidays with someone who has been drowning in depression for much longer than is bearable due to loss and separation from her children. I am revealing another way for her to consider the thoughts that she already thinks about.

As it hasn’t been easy for her, it has been extremely rewarding for me to see hope once again in her eyes, and the understanding that she is never completely alone. Had she not needed me, I would be spending this season alone with far too many of my own thoughts.

Later today I will surprise my daughter, whom I haven’t seen in months, and spend some much needed time with her. Yesterday I saw my mom and my grandma for a few minutes and got to hug each one so tightly the insides of both of my arms feel the same as when I forget to not tighten up when receiving my yearly flu vaccination … I am happy for that…

Bill, I hope you and the rest of those who stroll and contribute to the helpful pages of Jobcase have the best Christmas yet…

Our family celebration is December 22 every year - allows for less stress for adult off-spring to see inlaws - As a group of 30+ we do potluck and pull names for gift exchange - cousins play LOUDLY

Christmas eve is a quiet night, bake cookies and pies

Christmas day is an open house - people come and go around other obligations, snacks throughout the day - dinner at 4

New Year's Eve is our wedding anniversary, celebration includes lots of board games, cards, and old movies

Every year, Christmas is a family gathering. As Argentines, we celebrate Christmas Eve in a few hours. The 25th is just a do-nothing day.

We also respect our German tradition from many generations and the children are out now as we decorate the tree as Christ child and in a few hours we'll ring a little bell and as we play classical music, either Mozart or Bach ( never the typical silent night ), the children will be invited to come in under the tree ( believing its all Christ child's work) and open their gifts ( also from Christ child, there is no Santa Klaus) - and open their gifts.. The children are all formally dressed.

Dinner is always Goulash

I’m going to my aunt’s house here in LA. I rarely come around family, so it will be nice to see everyone. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

I'm spending Christmas with my wife's family. We're heading to the San Antonio zoo to see their light display and then downtown to the Riverwalk.