It's getting very close to my favorite time of year. College basketball is just about to start in full. Thanksgiving is a week away. It's almost time to put up the tree and decorations. And you can just start to feel Christmas coming. I love Christmas almost as much as a little kid does. I couldn't care less about the presents, though. That has nothing to do with it. There aren't many feelings greater than being huddled together with a couple dozen family members on Christmas Eve, with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer playing quietly on TV, and an old record player spinning out a 50-year-old holiday favorite. Add some festive food, a lot of laughs, and have it all highlighted by the red and green glow of the Christmas tree, and it all equals the best time of the year, and permanent memories.

Expect more ramblings like this before it's all over with.