I enjoy holiday music and, unfortunately, most of the stations have quit playing it by now. One XM Radio station we discovered this year was the Special XMas --- which was a hoot most of the time! There were songs I've never heard before and many I don't want to ever hear again.

Some of these song writers have super bad "Santa Claus issues" and it sure springs from their hostile lyrics. "Santa Didn't Bring Us Squat For Christmas" jumps to mind! Oh, man, there are some folks who just shouldn't tell everything that happened to them. Come on people, didn't you have at least one good Christmas to sing about?

Naturally, there are naughty songs galore. Ever since Eartha Kitt huffed and puffed her way through "Santa Baby" there has been a whole lot of thinking about Santa's attributes and accoutrements besides his jolly round belly! And, for some reason, they all think Santa Claus, from the North Pole, needs to be warmed up at their home.

There are tons of songs with animal themes and some have singing animals, but a couple of times we heard "My Dog Doesn't Know It's Christmas" and it's funny and kind of thoughtful. Somewhere in the lyrics, the singer tells us that "Jesus is a concept that his dog just doesn't understand!" Dogs are smart, but he's probably right about that...

After all the terrible songs, my hubby and I agreed, the worst song we heard was one little ditty titled "Santa's Got a Case of That Old TB" where the reindeer come back without Santa. What crazy mind dreamed this idea up? I really hope no child heard such a tear-jerker song over the holidays!

I can't imagine not having music in my life, but some of this stuff should be quickly erased from this year's holiday memories!

Today my husband and I celebrate 42 years of marriage!

I know, it's crazy to think we've been married that long. I swear time passes quicker than we all realize. But that's okay, because it should make us appreciate each day more and I try to enjoy everything that comes my way. If you read my blog regularly, then you know that ain't always easy!

Anyway, life is exciting and marriage is a brave act done in the foolishness of youth. Some of us get lucky and are blessed with a soul mate, husband, lover, friend and everything else rolled into one package. Like most people, we've had our smiles and frowns, but we've stuck with each other through them all. There is a comforting reward in sharing so much personal history with another person.

Being on this end of a long marriage, I still say that standing up in the face of God and family and friends to profess loving someone forever is the bravest act we mortals can do. Our hearts are on the line and a broken heart is the toughest part of the body to mend as it keeps its painful scars hidden from view.

Today, dear Streamers, I wish you love in your life and may you always have someone to love and someone who loves you!

Happy 42nd Anniversary, to my husband! ~~~ Love Always & Hugs to Everyone Else, Rita

Dear Streamers,

Each year I let my "to do" list take over my joy of Christmas. It's an easy steep slide to start down as Christmas Day gets closer each day. Over the years, I've gone from the wide-eyed kid discovering the secret of Santa to learning the Real reason for the Season to becoming Santa and upholding time-honored traditions. My personal goal is to sincerely understand why God sent us his son. Now that is a mystery!

I truly enjoy buying "things" for loved ones. It is heart-warming to find what I think is the perfect gift for someone on my list. Not all of the choices are right --- I just found out I sent a huge box of chocolates to a nephew who was recently diagnosed with diabetes! If it really is the thought that counts then I hope they all know I love them one and all.

Peace and Shalom! ~~~ Christmas Hugs, Rita B