12.30.2015 - 152 of 365

12.30.2015 - 152 of 365

1 mile run - Treadmill

Today it was raining and I can't stand the treadmill, but I had to get in my one mile so the dreadmill it was. 

"Christmas Past"

While I was doing my run I started to think about Christmas. I know that everyone already knows that I am the Clark W. Griswald of Hattiesburg, but I thought about how much I absolutely LOVE Christmas. I mean I really love it! Everything about it. I love decorating my house, buying presents for my family, how nice people are during the holidays and most importantly how my daughters eyes light up with the awe inspiring sights and should that Christmas brings. 

There are two people that I must take a moment to thank for this love that I have for Christmas. Mom and Dad I want to say thank you for this passion that you shared we me and my brothers while we were growing up. You gave us so many traditions that we will pass on to our children. What you have taught us will live on forever. 

(Bob, me, Russ)

My mom and dad were never rich people, but the one thing that they always went all out on was Christmas. I'm not saying that we got all of the big expensive presents that people get on Christmas Day. We did get what they could afford and I got some really great stuff growing up, but more importantly they gave me the best gift I could ever receive. They gave me a warm loving home and the passion for Christmas. My parents didn't skimp on the amount of fun you could have on Christmas. My dad taught me everything I needed to know about exterior illumination. I do have to say that I have surpassed anything that we ever tried on Glenview Lane, but to this day I can't decorate the outside of my house unless it's cold outside and I have a cup of coffee just like my dad did. My mom took care of the inside of the house. She made it so warm and cozy. She made our home a place of love with beautiful lights, decorations and the delicious smell of snicker doodle filling the air. Mmmmmm I can taste it now. 

(Bob, me and dad)

Christmas morning was always amazing. We were not ever allowed to put any presents under the tree until Christmas Eve night after we went to midnight mass and were about to go to bed. Even then we couldn't put them under the tree. We had to stack them for Santa Clause to put around the tree when he came. It was amazing to see the tree lit up on Christmas morning with all of the presents neatly placed under the tree! Words can't explain the feeling that would come over me on Christmas morning when I would see those shiny wrapped presents glistening under the tree! 

(Go ahead, make fun of the glasses)

I think back to my parents every Christmas and how I remember seeing the joy on their faces and the love in their eyes for me and my brothers. They didn't care what they got for Christmas, no, their presents were watching us enjoy the day. As a parent now I know exactly how they felt. 

(My dad loved some tinsel) 

So, this week we pack up all of the lights and all of the Christmas love. We pack all of it up with extra special care so that nothing breaks. We put it all away for another year, but we never pack away the memories that we have made. Those stay with us forever. Jenny and I have an amazing daughter who we will pass our traditions to. We will pass on the love and the laughter that comes with this wonderful season. 

Thanks mom and dad for teaching me these valuable lessons. All of the presents that I received over the years were great, but my memories are even better. They will last forever. 

(My beautiful mother. Thanks for the memories mom. I love you! Merry Christmas)