This time of year ignites my memory cells and carries me back to my childhood.
I sit back with a cup of warm coffee and reflect upon decorating a fresh cut Christmas Tree with my parents, grandparents, and my younger brother.

I also recall the trips downtown every year on the Jefferson Park El train and walking along State Street to check out the decorated storefront windows; then we would have lunch in Marshall Field's Walnut Room. After lunch mom would deposit me and my brother in the toy department so she could do some serious shopping. We would slowly walk around analyzing, dreaming and wishing; occasionally those dreams came true.

During the El trip back home it was turning dusk and from the train-car window we could see the homes and businesses on the streets below turning on their Christmas lights. The El trip downtown during the Christmas season has become a tradition in our family.

Most of the people in my ruminations about my childhood Christmas seasons, i.e., my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and close friends are gone now but their echoes remain in my mind and heart forever.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!