Rico and Jo

Usually this time every year I buy a crate of Christmas Ale brewed by Wasatch beers. But I can’t find it this year. I think they discontinued it. Maybe they got in trouble for calling it Christmas Ale instead of “Holiday” ale, which would be more PC…

I have always loved this time of year. It doesn’t quite hold the same charm it did when I was a kid, but it’s still one of my favorite times. People just seem nicer, more giving, more charitable – more Human. I wish people were always like this.

One thing I love about this time of year is the time spent with friends and family. My family always made this such a special time. Many of my earliest and fondest memories are of the Holiday season. One year I got so attached to our family Christmas tree that I cried when we had to take it out. So, my awesome dad took the trunk and carved something for me. I still have that carving displayed on my bookshelf and will cherish it forever.

Speaking of my dad, today is his 60th birthday. Happy birthday dad! 60 used to seem so old to me. But not anymore. My dad is such a hard worker and seems way younger than what 60 used to seem to me. Is it just that I’m getting older too? Or is it true what they say about 60 being the new 40, etc.? Anyway, I hope you have an awesome birthday dad! You deserve it.

This, unfortunately, is also the anniversary of my Grandmother’s death. Yes, my father’s mother died on his birthday. My entire family was there by her side as she departed this life. It was one of the most significant experiences of my life, and an experience I will never forget. It was so hard for it to happen on my dad’s birthday. It is good that she was surrounded by her entire family of sons, daughters, and grandkids. And she is in a better place now. I miss you Grandma. I wish you could have been at my wedding and that you could have met my beautiful wife and step-daughter. Maybe one day you’ll be able to. I hope so.

Anyway, like I said, I’ve always loved this time of year. I’m not the most religious person you’ll meet. I am very spiritual, but I wouldn’t say religious. So for me its always been about family and friends, and the peace and goodwill people extend towards each other this time of year. I always look forward to family holiday parties too… My family on my dad’s side makes the best Mexican food for our holiday parties… Yum!

I am so thankful to my family for making this time of year so important to me. I’m thankful that I now have my own family to share these things with in addition to my larger family.

I’m also thankful that for a few days each year, this world seems like a decent enough place. For a nano second you can forget about global warming and the wars going on, and the poverty and strife and hate so abundant in our world. But at the same time, this is a great time to remember those things – and to make it a point to do something about them – to make this world a better place for the generations to come. I truly hope we make it.

Peace and love to you and yours this Holiday season. Whatever your reason for the season, Jesus, Mother Earth, Buddha, The Great Spirit, Jehovah, Allah, whatever it is; make it last all year.