Happy HoliDAZE - Random Good Things about Christmas

It's crunch time. Christmas will be here in a blink of Santa's eye. Have you wrapped presents, sent cards, baked cookies, planned parties, decorated the tree, fa la la la la - ed? 'Tis the season to be busy, busy, busy, but it's also a time to sit back, chillax, and enjoy the many good things about the most wonderful time of the year. So, with that in mind, here are some good things about the holidays from us to you! Merry Christmas!

Characters from stop animation TV specials by Rankin/Bass

2. Clarice: She's the gentle doe from "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." She stands by her man, and has a sweet singing voice.

3. Hermey the elf, also from Rudolph: He's the little guy who wants to be a dentist, and he's brave enough to be himself. Spoiler alert: He saves the day at the end of the show.

1. Heat Miser from The Year without a Sants Claus: He's hot! He can sing and dance, and he has an awesome hairdo.

Holiday Parties

2. Dress Up: Celebrations call for donning festive clothing or an excuse to wear a really ugly Christmas sweater.

3. Small bites and tasty treats: If they are tiny and can be eaten without utensils they have less calories, right?

1. Libations and spirits: We're not talking about the ghosts of Christmas past, present, or future, so have a cup of cheer. Here's to you!

Miscellany

2. Festive wrapping paper: Topped with pretty bows, unless you're gift-wrapped challenged, then a decorative bag will do.

3. Twinkly lights: Sparkly or glowing, white or multicolored, but not over the top or obnoxious flashing.

1. Chocolate Santas: Solid is best, head first of course!

Bonus: The best EVER speech by a fictional character presented by the one and only Brian Atkinson! Please hold your applause to the very end.

Road Trip Goodies

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My family and I will be leaving for a min-vaca really, really early Wednesday morning so y'all are stuck with Brian for the rest of the week!

Here are three good things about a road trip:

1. It's a change of scenery. Let's face it. I don't get out much. I visit places around my community like the bank, the post office and the YMCA. I go to church, pulmonary rehab, and I occasionally visit docs downtown. I need a change of scenery. We all do!

2. Tasty eats, and treats in the car. When we travel, T and I like to look for yummy places to eat that we won't find in our 'hood. And sometimes, T, who is very particular about his car, will even let us eat snacks and drinks along the way. T says I break this rule all the time, and he's right. I do, and if you are a passenger in the car with me, I will blame you. No kidding.

3. Memory-making with the family. I can't tell you what I got for Christmas in 1977, but I can share memories of our family vacations. Memories like getting a killer sunburn in Florida, riding a cable car in San Fransisco, or the trip to Colorado and the Dakotas when I had the mumps! Quality time spent with the kids is a good thing!

So see ya later gators, enjoy your week!