The Night Before Christmas

For as long as I can remember, Christmas Eve has been the biggest day of the year for me. Bigger than my birthday. Bigger even than Christmas itself. Growing up, Christmas Eve was when our family had our tree; then, of course, there was the anticipation of Santa himself. Waiting through the day and the early hours of Christmas morning, imagining that I heard him out in the living room. The excitement was so great that one year it actually made me physically ill, so worked up did I get. 

One of life's lessons that has stuck with me ever since: it's all about the anticipation.

Now, of course, I'm a more responsible adult. There are far fewer presents under the tree with my name on them, and I'm just fine with that. My wife and I open them Christmas morning, and then work on getting everything ready for Christmas dinner and our company. The real meaning of Christmas has taken on the greatest importance for me, more important than any gift waiting to be unwrapped. (Although that shouldn't be taken as an indication that I'm willing to forgo presents altogether. Some things never change.)

Christmas Eve remains a special day, though. December 24—12/24—still has that power, not unlike other special combinations of numbers, whether it be your birthday or another day, like July 4. It begins with errands and baking, and ends with Midnight Mass, and in-between there's the pleasure of driving through mostly deserted streets, looking at front windows illuminated with Christmas trees and, oftentimes, families spending the evening together. It's all about the anticipation.

So what to write about on Christmas Eve?

A few years ago I wrote about Axel, the legendary Minneapolis-St. Paul kids' show host, and what better time than Christmas Eve to listen to his famed rendition of "The Night Before Christmas."

Your friendship, your loyalty to me and to It's About TV! throughout the years (not to mention your tolerance!), and your appreciation of classic television, are all very important to us here, and so, to all of you, my sincere and heartfelt wishes for a very Merry Christmas. Take a moment in the next couple of days to give thanks for your blessings, and tell someone you love them. TV

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