Here Comes Christmas

Written by my friend Melvin Strong

Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday. I have a fairly large family, so this is one of the times of the year where we all try to coordinate our schedules so we can get together. I have a big house with spacious rooms, so everyone usually gathers at my place. Everyone pitches in with the food preparation and clean-up. Some will go outside and play football while others watch one of the NFL games inside. I spend this time visiting with family and friends.

It is when people start to leave that I can finally start to relax and just enjoy myself without playing hostess. I will normally change into my comfy clothes and join the few remaining stragglers in the living room. It is our tradition to do this every year. After watching the Charlie Brown special with the kids, they will usually go in their rooms and play games. The men are playing cards or talking sports while the women sit in front of the Sattelite TV Package Deals and watch the same program every year on Thanksgiving night.

It is the start of the Christmas programming, and one of our local channels always shows 'It's A Wonderful Life'. This is by far our favorite Christmas show, and there is never a dry eye in the room by the end of it. James Stewart and Donna Reed just captivate us with their chemistry and talent. This is just the first of many nights where we will gather to watch Christmas movies. I guess you can tell what our favorite holiday is then, right?