Wide-Eyed Wonder

"You'll shoot your eye out! You'll shoot your eye out!" This line will always be remembered for it's appearance in the classic Holiday movie, "The Christmas Story." The young boy in the movie as every child had that one toy or gift they absolutely wanted that season over all else. For Ralphie it was the Red Rider BB gun.

The season has come this year and Christmas is around the corner. I find this time of year much differently than I did in the past. But I will say I love to look back and remember how Christmas was for my family.

What I find so interesting, is that now I don't really remember any of those gifts that had my eyes wide and my smile true. What I remember now was the time leading up to the big day. The traditional dinners with the family, cutting down the tree, sledding at the park, the Christmas service, and finally the excitement and anticipation on the eve of Christmas.

Christmas at the 'Banks' household was great. My parents never gave into pressure on killing the surprises of what they had for us. They truly brought the spirit of Christmas around during my early childhood.

So now as the season and Holiday closes in, I remember and reflect on all the great Christmas's that have past. I love the fact that I can hold onto the memories and truly look forward to the more that will be created.