Ghost of Christmas Past

I remember growing up as a kid the night before Christmas. My parents always made us stay up late to insure we would sleep through the night. But as a kid, the only night of the year where it doesn't matter how long you stay up, you were excited, eager, and anxious to get a glimpse of the man in the red suit. Same routine over and over, every it seemed. Bound and determined to catch him in the act of sliding down the chimney or even the last glimpse of him and his team of reindeer taking off from the roof top of your house. Which takes me to the Christmas of 1984. My brother and I were just getting ready for bed. Mom came in telling us you better get some sleep or Santa won't come. Let me take a step away from this story for a moment. To tell you about my Mom. She was a hard working individual. Proud, strong, wonderful and loving mother. Always made the holidays special. No matter how hard things were. Honestly, I can say she was my hero growing up. Being the youngest of three brothers. Always there to talk, listen, and give a hug. In short my Mother was the stuff and never could compare to others. The rock in three young boys life. So mom, if your reading this, I just wanted to say thanks for everything and I love you dearly. Your my true meaning of Christmas.
Ok, back to the story of Christmas 1984. Where was I, oh yes. So my brother and I were making it quick to get to bed, so Santa would come. Plate of Cookies for the long traveler and to top it off a glass of fresh cold milk. That's right, the good stuff. I remember not being able to sleep at all that night, only being six years old, full of excitement and wonder. I managed to fall asleep. The next morning to my surprise, it was a beautiful sight. The tree lit, stockings filled with candy and toys, from the big man himself. The plate of cookies eaten and the glass of brisk cold milk gone. My brother being the great detective he is, said, " Hey look at this!".  I went over and with a squint in my eyes, my brother, holding his hand up and his pointer finger and thumb were pinched together tightly, only to notice a single white, not grey, but white hair he had found on the plate of eaten cookies. Wondrous to behold and amazing to my young mind. It's official, he does exist. Santa is real and we had the proof in the pudding. The most amazing Christmas of all times. The Spirit of Christmas is different in all, but, that's my spirit right there. To me something to share with my kids and their kids.
I know it sounds corny, but, it's mine and that's what matters most. So I ask you this. What's your most powerful memory of Christmas? What keeps us in believing? I know what keeps me believing.
Thanks Mom for all the wonderful Christmases over the years. Thanks for showing me how to show my kids the true meaning of Christmas. Until next time, Happy holidays from the Millers', peace, love, and god bless our troops on this most precious holiday..

Going Home For the Holidays

As we all saddle up for the biggest holiday of the year. Some of us don't have to travel and some do. Me, well, I'm the part that has to travel. I just got off work and it's 2:25am Christmas eve morning. Soon as I'm done here, I will be hitting the hay for a few Zs'  and then getting up and heading home to see my family. Now I have never really traveled anywhere for Christmas except outside in the morning to make sure Santas' reindeer didn't eat my lawn and leave little presents of their own. Also to make sure he isn't stuck in mine or the neighbors chimney. Yep that's about as far as I traveled. Only to turn around to go back inside and realize I locked myself out again. Don't think about pounding on the door, because no one can hear you. They are to busy celebrating and I'm to busy trying to blend in with smurfs. Now that my feet and hands have lost all circulation and my nose is red as a cherry. You know they say Santas' nose is as red as a cherry and he's happy and stuff. I don't see it. Hmmmm, I will try harder I guess. But finally the door opens and they let you in. I can't be mad at them. I just had a moment of My I.Q. is a grade lower than bean dip right now that's all. Oh well, there's always next year. To do the same thing over and over. Funny thing is you remind yourself not to do that again. But human nature falls into place and once again the door is locked and your standing outside, AGAIN!!! LOL.  Merry Christmas and to those who are traveling be safe getting home. Most of all, Hide the key under the rock. Until next time, peace, love and god bless our troops. Happy Holidays from The Millers'

Post Season

Now that the year is almost over, we go into what I like to call the Post Season. The Post Season in my view is the new beginning. Always look forward to Christmas and always look forward to the NFL playoffs. January will be exciting, the start of a new year and the start of a new way of life. What does the new year bring, I will tell you. It brings a bunch of busted resolutions, I'm going to lose weight, blah, blah, blah... Well a box of twinkies , ho hos', and some early morning drive thru breakfast should take care of that, 20lbs later and I mean up and not down. To quit some bad habit, only to find yourself the number investor of the product. Me, well I make small resolutions. Like going to work a little harder on being more efficient with family time or going to drink a little more water and a little less beer(LOLOLOLOL yeah right busted....). Who knows I might win the lottery(redneck retirement plan). But as we bring the new year and look towards the future of another Post Season, I say let loose. Live like there's no tomorrow, be good to yourselves and to others. A little adventure is order I think. Maybe go skiing in the Rocky Mountains', with only a smile(wooo that's cold). Maybe going bungee jumping off a perfectly good bridge that has road to the bottom. But back to the subject of Post Season. The NFL baby yeahhhhh, go broncos. I think they will make a little noise in the playoffs to that great eternal bound glory at the end.  So to put into perspective I think the world will be a little better in 2014 and that government will be for the people(LOL) , yeah right.
In till next time peace, love, and god bless our troops. Happy Holidays