Parker's Presents

Toddler MM, otherwise known as Parker, still doesn't seem to show much interest in the Christmas tradition of receiving gifts. He still has wrapped presents under the Christmas tree he hasn't opened yet. He likes playing with the toys once they are presented to him. But he hasn't yet grasped the concept of Santa or of unwrapping presents. Maybe next year, at age 3 1/2, he will look forward to Santa Claus bringing him presents.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the MM family: Mrs. MM, Mr. MM and Toddler MM.

NATIVITY SCENE SHOULD BE SEEN

Does your home have one of these? It should. Thanks to Mrs. MM, our Nativity scene is prominently displayed in the living room so Parker can grow up seeing and playing with it. She's had the same set for 19 years, ever since her daughter was born. It's still in good shape. So get into the attic, or storage, and dust yours off and put it on display for all to see. Or if you don't have one, find one at a retail store or garage sale, and put the true meaning of Christmas on display in your home. I'd like to think you'll be glad you did.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

The signs of Christmas are taking over the Media Matters family household:

1. Amy Grant Christmas music is playing on the stereo.

2. Wrapped packages have mysteriously appeared under the tree.

3. Christmas lights are up and on 24/7 through New Years Day.

4. The Pastor spoke about "Mary Had a Little Lamb."

5. We're waiting on Amazon.com to deliver Christmas orders.

6. Goodie baskets have cluttered the dining room table.

7. Christmas cards have invaded the computer table.

8. Santa and Frosty have set up camp on the front lawn.

9. Daddy is trying to fix the budget so we can buy more presents.

10. Airline tickets have been purchased for family visits for the holiday.

CHRISTMAS CARD TRADITION

I love sending Christmas cards. Don't get too many in return. Email, cell phones and text messaging have replaced the old, handwritten holiday tradition. Actually, this year, my family is tweaking the holiday tradition a bit, too. Instead of actual cards, we're sending out Christmas letters. My wife designed the layout with lots of flair and color photos. I wrote the text. I think it looks classy. But I still like Christmas cards, too.