Homan: You're never too old to make lasting memories at Christmas

Christmas is only three days away. Is your shopping done? Mine isn't, but then again, I am a procrastinator. Nothing more exciting to me than putting off that purchase to the last minute.

While I don't enjoy the commercialism of Christmas, I do enjoy seeing so many people getting into the spirit of the holiday. More people smile. More pay compliments. More make an effort to be....well ...friendly.

And there's something special about driving around at night looking at all the colorful lighting both on businesses and on homes or yards, some subtle and some rather lavish.

It's also the only time of year where wearing an ugly sweater is popular and gorging one's self on candy and treats is expected.

As Christmas draws near, I can't help but reminisce upon holidays past. What do you tend to remember the most - the Christmases of your youth or adulthood?

I remember the anticipation of Santa's arrival, swearing that I could hear the sleigh atop our roof as I tossed and turned in bed. I remember the bright colors of the wrapping paper stretched over gifts that had my name on the receiving end when I wandered into the living room at the crack of dawn.

There was a BB gun at the age of 8 (No, I didn't shoot my eye out I am glad to report), which I used for target practice in a quarry. A miniature pool table when I was 9, and later a bicycle and board games to go along with clothes, etc. You get the idea.

What was your favorite gift?

Let's face it. Christmas was a fun time when we were kids.

And as special as those memories are, I probably derived even more joy wrapping presents for our son and watching his "Oh My Goodness!" expression when opening them the next morning. Genuine joy is priceless, isn't it?

Now that our son has grown into a fine young man, we don't have that same thrill as we did when he was younger. However, we are never too old to experience the excitement of Christmas. There is always something we can do to lift our spirits, so to speak.

First and foremost, reconnect with any family members or friends that have wandered out of your life for whatever reasons. Pick up the phone and call. Send an email, whatever it takes. It will be worth your time.

If you have the financial resources, take a couple of bags full of groceries to the local food pantry. Make a donation to your local homeless shelter. And if money is short, visit a nursing home and spend some time with a senior citizen. Be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Volunteer a few hours at the soup kitchen. You might be surprised how good you feel afterward.

Merry Christmas, dear readers! May your holiday be a memorable one for all the right reasons.