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In an America where we have truly become a melting pot of cultures, staying true to our American traditions and customs is critically important. The beauty about visiting other countries is experiencing the differences in the way people live. Some of those difference might often make one uncomfortable, yet the personal challenge to overcome that discomfort is what makes the experience so rich.

While we open our doors and literally our borders to those seeking a better way of life, we should hold true to our own great culture. I would like the children of morrow to have the opportunity to relish in those same warm feelings I grew up with. Christmas caroling from door to door through our neighborhood, at the Veterans Hospital and nursing homes. Seeing the eyes of a forgotten soldier light up, a lonely elder who doesn't remember her own child's name but does remember the lyrics to "O Come All Ye Faithful".

I'd like to hear people say, "Merry Christmas" without worrying if they are going to offend someone. Bonfires by a frozen lake with hot cocoa or warm apple cider, with teen agers skating and parents supervising. A sled dressed up with rich colors of red and green and bells to boot!

A sing a long in the atrium of the school is a precious memory of mine that should continue on for millennium's to come. We always acknowledged our Jewish neighbors with Hanukkah O Hanukkah, believing their celebration was also ours. It was the one time of year where everyone was inclusive.

The anticipation of Santa Clause for the children never stopped anyone in my house from learning about Jesus in the manger. Street posts adorned with illuminated wreaths, angels blowing horns and snowflakes could make the meanest of bah humbugs smile!

Baking Christmas cookies and gathering at relatives homes,with people traveling from far and near to share some eggnog and past Christmas memories. Early Christmas morning the smell of bacon and eggs, toast and creamed dried beef wafting up the stairs to call you down to a bounty of treasures, neatly wrapped and shining brightly under the tree.

Running up and down the street to see what your best friend received and to share new bicycles and roller skates. Christmas concerts at school and at church where everyone celebrated the season of love and revered one another.

Taking a ride through town and into another town with sheer excitement just to look at all the houses lit up in glory! Standing in the freezing cold to support your local live nativity scene who magically look like the real deal. Oh the wonder of it all.

These are the traditions and customs of my Christmas long ago and ones that I hold dear now. Some traditions I fight to keep going, like opening one gift on Christmas eve, and wearing jingle bells as earrings and necklaces no matter how annoying it may be! The tree stays up and the celebration continues until New Years day. Special gifts still have Santa written on them even though my children are adults and certainly know who their Santa is. I listen to Christmas carols on the radio and you better not touch that station in my car!

Our great melting pot. Beautiful people from far away places, different religions and special traditions are certainly keeping theirs close to heart. We better not dare try to take that from them. And we better not dare give ours away.

Merry Christmas!

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