Bring On the Holiday Season

We awoke on Thanksgiving today here in Bloomington, Minnesota, to a light blanket of snow and a very cool day. It was like a holiday card right outside my window. And as I may have said before, the end-of-year holiday season is my favorite part of any year. We spent a quiet day, and I did something I haven't done in a long time on a Thanksgiving day. I watched a football game on tv: Green Bay v. Detroit, almost a tradition by now in America.

Tomorrow is Black Friday, the day that all the pre-Christmas sales truly get started. There's one chain in this area that will actually open its doors at 4:00 A. M. Can you believe it!? Last year we did something that we've never done during our 27 years together -- we actually went to a mall on this infamous Friday. And it wasn't just any mall; it was the Mall of America. Yes, once was enough. I won't be up tomorrow for a trip to any mall.

Next week I'll prepare all my Christmas and Hannukah cards, as I've done for over 40 years. I try to get the Christmas cards mailed by December 1 each year, and I've been mostly successful. And I try to get my Hannukah cards out by the first day of the celebration, also mostly successful over the years. Sending out cards for me has always been a way to share the holiday spirit with friends and family, and most people really appreciate it. My holiday season is always enhanced by my card ritual.

Even when times were not so good, I've loved this part of the year. It's always been special to me, and it always will be. Let me send all of you peace and love for the coming year. And if you have someone in harm's way because of the foolish war we're engaged in, I pray that he or she returns not only alive but unscathed. Bless us all at this time of reflection.