Last week I was stuck in Struggleville, trying to find the Christmas spirit.
I finally found it, just in the nick of time.
Full disclosure; it took everything I had to not say ‘in the St. Nick of time.’
I’m the punniest guy I know.
Thank you for the well wishes and comments about last week’s column. I was apparently not alone in my struggles. I hope the rest of you found what you were looking for too.
On the off chance you haven’t found the Christmas spirit yet, there’s still time. Let me offer some kick starters.
Watch a Christmas movie. I am now and forever a huge fan of It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s an annual tradition for my family. We love watching George Bailey save that ol’ Building and Loan along with the entire town. I have been known to mute the part where Bailey’s daughter LuLu announces “Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” That line is like nails on a chalkboard but the rest of the movie is pure gold.
On the opposite end of the Christmas spectrum, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation used to be on our must-see list.
Unfortunately, I’m not able to watch it any longer. My son’s former girlfriend could quote every line in that movie. And she did. Every time we watched it. She’s been his ex for nearly a decade, but it’s still too soon for my wife to watch the movie. Maybe someday, but probably not. Please watch it for me.
Other favorites of mine include A Christmas Story, Elf, White Christmas and Die Hard. Yep, I said it. Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Let the debate rage on.
Find a church service. We listed a dozen Christmas Eve services in Wednesday’s newspaper.
Speaking directly to regular churchgoers, please open your arms wide and welcome the non-regulars. I admit to having been one to grumble when I’ve lost my pew for Christmas Eve and Easter services. If that sounds familiar, adapt. You can always kick them out of your pew next week.
See some Christmas lights. Make an event of it. When my kids were little, we’d make popcorn, put on pajamas and pile into the car to search for Christmas lights. My mom still talks about watching the giant Santa light up when she was growing up in Fort Wayne. There’s something magical about Christmas lights that still gets me excited.
Ouabache’s Wonderland of Lights will potentially be open Christmas night, weather dependant. Tonight and Saturday have been cancelled. Thanks Mother Nature.
If you haven’t been by Jerry and Sandy Zeigler’s display at 1121 Ridgewood Lane in Bluffton, you should.
We publicize their lights nearly every year for good reason. They’re impressive. Jerry, however, is quick to point out “it’s not about me, it’s about Him.”
The Christmas spirit is alive and well with me. I hope it is for you as well.
Stay safe and warm over the next few days.
Merry Christmas!
dougb@news-banner.com
