Santa Claus had come to each home already, but there were lots of packages under Papa Rippy’s big cedar tree, cut only days before from his own land. The cedar was chosen for the aroma that followed it into the house and lingered still. The ritual was that he would hand out presents one at a time and everyone would watch the opening. Clothes had to be tried on and admired. We boys hated to get clothes. Everything had to be tried out, of course . . . baseballs into new gloves, often hit from new bats.

One of my most memorable Christmases was my first one away from home. The Air Force sent me to Fort Warren, near Cheyenne, Wyo. Nearly everyone else went home, but I could not afford to go 2,000 miles, so I had a ball buying presents for everyone and getting them into the mail. I enjoyed thinking how each person would like what I selected . . . in other words, I had finally learned the joy of giving. I don’t even remember receiving presents, though I undoubtedly did.

I hope you will have a memorable Christmas!