As the Holidays approach, warm thoughts of family and friends fill our hearts and we remember great Christmas parties, and New Years Celebrations, filled with friendship and good cheer, Christmas caroling in the snow, and hot chocolate to warm our fingers and tummies.

Every Christmas Eve in our small town, the town or church, hosted a Christmas Eve Party. The school children or the Primary children from the church, (alway the same group) put on a program. One year, we put on a play. We practiced for months to get it all right. How nervous we were to preform in front of our parents and the whole town, (OK all of about 60 people max...). The lights of the stage kept us from seeing anyone in the crowd. We recited our parts and sang our songs with gusto. After the program, sleigh bells sounded in the hall and Santa Claus jogged into the room, in his red and white suite, cheeks flushed from the cold and calling "Merry Christmas to all", with his bag full of toys slung over his shoulder. We lined up, along the wall, smallest to tallest, and took turns sitting on Santa's lap to receive a gift, with our name on it, and a bag of candy; usually hard tack, chocolate covered nuts, candy canes, and an orange. After the party, we'd hurry home and prepare for bed, so that the morning would come faster. One year, we sent our brother down 7 or 8 times to ask if it was time to get up yet, before Mom and Dad gave up any hope of sleep and let us come down to find our toys.

We wish you the best of Holiday Seasons and hope you remember the reason for the season, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ

, so long ago in a manger. As we contemplate our giving and receiving this year, remember the simplicity of the first gifts given and remember to give from the heart, not just the wallet.

Seasons Greetings
Snowy Desert Gourmet Popcorn