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At this most wonderful time of the year, I feel like singing of bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with strings. But, instead, I'll keep my feet on the ground as I sing of things that we might not find elsewhere in song at Christmas time

And so I'm offering this simple phrase to kids from one to ninety-two.

Although it's been said many times, many ways, Merry Christmas to you.

I sing of contributors to the Victoria Gazette. That includes those who submit columns and articles, those who purchase advertising space, those who write letters to the editor and send photos of special events in the lives of their families and friends, those who participate in Victoria events and pose for my camera, those who send subscription checks to the Gazette, and those who stand by me and bring sunshine into my life.

It's the hap-happiest season of all With holiday greetings and gay happy

meetings when friends come to call. It's the hap-happiest season of all.

I sing of city councilmembers, those who work honestly and bravely for the people of Victoria, those who are clear and levelheaded, those councilmembers who speak from a good heart and can look anyone directly in the eye. In that vein I especially sing of Tom O'Connor, Tom Strigel, and Jim Crowley -- fine, fine gentlemen and outstanding citizens of Victoria who each gave several years of their life for the city's betterment, despite being subjected to continuous harassment by those who can't hold a candle to them.

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains

And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains.

I sing of my parents, my siblings and their families, my children and their families, and I count our blessings each and every day, from morning till night. It's a continual prayer of thanksgiving for undeserved graces. There is nobody more generous than God. I sing for every moment that I have with my mom and dad, my children and my grandchildren. And I also sing for family members who are no longer with us, including my beloved grandparents and Allan's parents and grandparents.

Silent night, holy night, All is calm and all is bright.

Round yon virgin, mother and child, Holy Infant, so tender and mild.

I sing of friends who are here today and also those friends who have become memories. People often pop into my mind from over these many years in Victoria. I sing of John Notermann and Chub Aretz, Pauline Kochs and Regina Kerber, Math and Gladys Hartmann, Ray and Frannie Schmieg, Tony and Sally Kerber, Ed and Mary Vanderlinde, and many others whose personal stories I've written for the Gazette. My favorites were Germaine, Julianne, and Father Elstan.

O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him.

I sing of those organized groups who contribute immensely to the community and camaraderie of our hometown, especially the Victoria Lions Club, the Victoria Fire Department, the Victoria Business Association, the Victoria City Staff, the Victoria Public Works Crew, and all others who are seldom formally recognized. I sing especially of their work behind the scenes.

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o'er the plains

And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains.

I sing of my home all decorated for Christmas with my favorite things, lights inside and outside, gifts under the tree, and music in the air. There is no place I'd rather be in the whole wide world. When my mother, who has now moved from memory care to a hospice house, whispers to my dad, "Let's go home. Let's go home," I know exactly what she means.

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays,

To be happy in a million ways, you can't beat home sweet home.

I sing of every holiday and holy day and other occasions that help bring the important things in life to the forefront. This is surely the most wonderful time of the year, so I sing of good things and wish you a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light and your troubles out of sight. ~Sue