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Christmas time is here

Happiness and cheer

Fun for all that children call

Their favorite time of the year.

That famous song from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" usually gets us in the holiday spirit. This year (as of Tuesday evening) we didn't have much for snow to make it a white Christmas. Our celebrations will have a bit less cheer as families limit their gatherings and few are traveling.

The joy of Christmas is most evident in the excitement of the children. We got a little sparkle at Thanksgiving when we asked kindergarten students how to cook a turkey for the Question of the Week, as we do every year. Their innocent answers make us remember what it's like to have so much wonder.

As we grow older, the holidays change. We lose some of that magic as Christmas becomes more about obligations. As your kids grow up and move away, the awe of the holidays is a bit less glamorous.

Around The Ledger, the holiday cheer has been evident for awhile. Sherry has been busy making wreaths and swags for her nursery customers. You can see her handiwork all over town. It's a sure sign of Christmas coming. Shana decorated her house for the holidays just after Halloween. Some might say that is way too early, but this year, we needed that extra dose of early cheer. Sara still has young children. Hearing the plans for Christmas morning surprises at the Czerwinski house makes us giddy.

I think we all need to remember what Christmas and the holidays were like when we were little. We all need to strive to feel that magic. One of my favorite holiday memories was going to watch the free Christmas movie at The Rex. After the show, Santa would come and give all the kids a paper sack with a candy cane, an orange and peanuts in the shell. It was a highlight of every holiday season. Last Sunday after our Christmas program at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, one of the church members had prepared goodie bags for each of the kids. Seeing their eyes light up reminded me of that same feeling I had at The Rex all those years ago.

As you celebrate with your families this week, try to remember that joy you felt as a kid. Not just in presents or holiday meals, but when you hear some bells jingle or see a house all lit up. That joy will help us as we prepare to end 2020 and welcome in a new year.

We hope you and your families have a blessed holiday.

Merry Christmas!

— Annie Wooden