I’ve noticed a subtle change in the air this holiday season. For one thing, more people seem to be saying Merry Christmas, and I’m happy about that. Before you write and say I’m an insensitive clout, I love hearing people saying Happy Hanukah, too, and I’ll gladly shout it out if I know to. Kwanza, I’m sorry. I don’t know what it is or what it’s for exactly. If I were a child in school I’m sure I would, but I’m an old bat and past learning new holidays. I know (I think) that it’s a celebratory time, and that’s good enough for me. Christmas I know, so that’s what I’m going to talk about.

As I said, I’m no longer a youthful chick. Over the years, I’ve seen a huge change in people’s approach to Christmas. When I was young—long after the age of dinosaurs, no matter what anyone says—I remember advent candles and evergreens hanging in the church. As the big day got closer, there was a manger scene in the front and Mom would lead me past so I could see Baby Jesus wasn’t there yet. I’ve just been to Sioux City, Iowa to visit my mom and aunt and was reminded of the big store windows in Yonker’s Department Store downtown. It always had moving figures that amazed and delighted, not just displays of merchandise. People did actually stop and “oooh” and “ahhh.”

When I was little, we lived in Sioux City and attended St. Casimir Catholic Church, named for the Lithuanian saint. (My grandfather was Lithuanian.) It’s no longer in use, but it was a beautiful parish church with old-fashioned stained glass, votive candles for prayers and statues. Lots of statues. Mass was always on Sunday. None of this Saturday evening stuff so you could sleep late on Sunday mornings. Except for Christmas.

Christmas meant I got to stay up late for Midnight Mass. I’m not sure I ever stayed awake through Midnight Mass, but just going was a treat. There were lots of decorations, lots of candles. Everyone dressed up, even though we all crunched through the snow to get there. This was a neighborhood church. Didn’t need to drive—it was close enough to walk. A good half hour before the service, the whole congregation sang Christmas carols. I knew all of them—at least the first verses—and I belted them out like I was Ethel Merman, except not quite in tune. Eventually, the priest came down the aisle preceded by altar boys in their red and white, and the Mass began, in Latin. I did learn the Latin later on, but back then, it was a nice droning tone to sleep by. And on the way out, Mom made it a point to show me Baby Jesus was now in the manger, just like the song said. I was happy. All was right with the world.

What I’m trying to say is, Christmas was special. I know, I’m making it sound like a Norman Rockwell painting. I’m not a Pollyanna—I realize not everything was as it seemed to a child. But I have to admit, I miss the unique, specialness of Christmas. (Jeez, this is no doubt a sign of very advancing age!)

So, all of that is leading up to a few questions. What is your favorite Christmas or Hanukah memory? What was the best gift you ever received, and what secret gift did you desperately wanted but didn’t receive?

Now to a different subject. I love some of the secular aspects of the season, too. Jack would tell you (if you ever met him and asked), that I usually wake up at 4 or 4:30 on Christmas morning. Of course I wake him up, too, because I have to share that I hear sleigh bells. It’s true, I swear! He doesn’t appreciate this phenomenon as much as I do, but I wake him, anyway.

I enjoy the color and glitz. I love the stores all done up in red, green, silver, gold and blue. I love the Salvation Army bell ringers who are always so cheerful. I even love the commercials on TV.

I have to admit, a few years ago I noticed many of the ads were loud and brash and not enjoyable to watch at all. But this year they seem much better. I particularly like the Anhauser Busch Clydesdales ad. It’s been around for lots of years, and always makes me feel happy. I’ve come to love the Capitol One pillagers ads, and this year, the Walmart ad where it snows on the troops in the Middle East and when a little boy is questioned about what he asked Santa for he says, “Just something for dad.” That one makes me tear up. There’s a champagne commercial that only runs for New Years (is it Andres?) that has such class and sparkle! Do you watch commercials? Which seasonal ads ring your bells?

Answer one or all of the above questions (or just post and say hello!) and you might win a download of Resolutions, a book written by Vanessa Hart, Leigh Wyndfield, Jasmine Haynes, and me, Dee S. Knight, about four friends who meet each New Years Eve to share the previous year’s resolution.

A few years ago, my mom asked what I wanted for Christmas. I replied that I didn’t know—there wasn’t anything I needed. I didn’t mean it as a flip comment. There really wasn’t anything I needed.

I was blessed then. Even with the challenges of the past year, I’m blessed now. Most of us are.

For those who aren’t, we are each responsible for our own little section of the world. Don’t forget The Salvation Army, the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, your church food drives or whatever organization you know that improves the world with love. And please don’t forget our military who are far from home and family! I live in Tidewater, Virginia again, amid the military and military families. It brings back all of the sacrifices these folks make for all of us. Make a resolution to send a card or letter a week to a service person away from home, and see how good it makes YOU feel!

Thanks for humoring my little trip down memory lane! Whichever special day you celebrate, I wish you joy and happiness and love! See you in 2010!

Dee