Xmas Is Coming!

Ok, with just five shopping days to go, I am pleased to say it finally feels like Christmas. You may think I'm nuts but because the weather has been so mild lately with highs anywhere between 55 and 60, I had trouble getting into the holiday spirit. While some people could argue with me about this, I need it to be just a tad colder. I don't think spring-like weather makes it easy for Santa, his reindeer -- especially Frosty.

Christmas tunes have been on 24x7 in my house. I've already watched some of my favorite Christmas movies including It's A Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street and Scrooged.

I have yet to watch my all time favorite which is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, which I will be watching this week and of course, A Christmas Story. Even though I know every word of dialogue and own it on DVD, when Christmas Eve comes around and TBS starts the 24 hour marathon, the channel NEVER changes in my house. It's been a tradition for many years now.

All of my holiday shopping was complete over a week ago thanks to my trusty internet connection. I can't stand going to malls or shopping centers during the month of December. My wife and I got our Christmas Tree up Black Friday weekend and it's hard to believe it will be time to take it down again. I love this time of year and wish it would last longer. While many complain that it's stressful, I like it - although I am not expected to cook dinner or anything. I get to sit on my recliner while watching Ralphie try and coax his folks to get him that bb-gun.

The food is always a big part of the holiday. God, I always end up overindulging and to be honest, I'm probably carrying some of last December 25th dinner with me now. The New Year's Resolution for weight loss is set. I can only hope it's not forgotten by January 3rd like it has been in year's past. This year, my wife is making beef wellington for Christmas Eve dinner. I never had that before. Always wanted to try it after seeing Chef Gordon Ramsay yelling obsceneties at his Hell's Kitchen contestants. I really did marry a fantastic cook. Other family members plan yet to be disclosed goodies so I can only imagine. Ok, the mouth is watering here. I better stop. Cakes and cookies too. Oh boy. Maybe I should really ask for that gym mebership this time around.

As I write this, I remember last Christmas and how the latter part of the evening was spent worried about threats of a pending snow storm. Sure enough, the first blizzard of a totally wild winter took place December 25th night into the 26th. By the time Monday,

December 27th, 2010 came around, I couldn't get my front door open to get to the snow-buried car and the un-plowed streets. I managed to get news on the air but in the craziest way. Anyway, I'm just glad no snow is forecast. Maybe it is a good thing the weather has been a little wacky lately. Can my Christmas wish be no snow this winter?

From my family to yours - have a very Merry Christmas, a happy Chanukah, happy Kwanza and a happy and healthy new year.