Merry Christmas, Everybody! Have A Good One!

You ever notice that when you're thinking about the impending holiday coming up, you tend to reflect on the last one? It never ceases to amaze me just how fast the Christmas season can come and go. Of course, I say this every year, but every year it rings more true.

See, when Christmas is getting closer and closer, I think more and more about the last one. So when I think about Christmas 2006, several memories come back to me. Hanging out with the boys in the basement, playing Family Feud and watching "Christmas Vacation" with the family on Christmas Eve, heading up to Warman on Christmas Day to see my other brothers and sisters, and the Boxing Day dance in Outlook. That last one is especially a good memory, because I realize the same thing every year when I go to the dance; it's nothing short of a Class Of 2004 reunion. People have been away for so long - they're working, going to school, whatever, so its great to see them when they all come home for the holidays. Of course, I never forget to carry my trusty digital camera so I can snap some photos of my former classmates and I. All in all its always a fun night. Dare I say that I look forward to the dance more than Christmas itself? BLASPHEMY!! I CAST THEE OUT!!! (well there might be some truth to it...)

I'm not sure if I have a particular favorite Christmas, but here are some random years that I have fond memories of. You may have read these in my Christmas Memories feature in our December 17 issue of The Outlook, but nevertheless, here it is.

**THE HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHT REEL**

1992: My brothers and I get a Nintendo system from our parents, complete with the always-packaged-with Mario Bros/Duck Hunt game. Everything else becomes moot because its time for Mario to eat some 'shrooms, save the Princess, and defeat the evil warlord Bowzer. As well as shooting digital ducks and high-flying clay shells.

1995: My oldest brother Jim comes home for Christmas and hands out gifts to everyone, minus me. He tells me that mine will be coming in the mail, so I go into the living room and watch the WWF on TV. Dad, sympathetic to my disappointment, sneaks into the room and tells me what exactly is on the way - an authentic WHL Calgary Hitmen jersey, the team co-owned by one of my all-time idols, Bret "The Hitman" Hart.

1999: At first, I'm disappointed to learn that my parents didn't buy me the drum set that I hoped to get. I make a feeble attempt to not look devastated but soon learn that Santa must exist, and yet he must have mixed up his lists, because it sits in Ken Blixt's house a couple blocks away as Mom and I go over there. Its a noisy but happy holiday season.

2000: Overdosing on holiday spirit, I buy Christmas gifts for nearly my entire Grade Nine class. Where I got the money I still don't remember. Regardless, my act produces many smiling faces. As for myself, I'm more nervous than I've been in my life, because I have a gift for my crush Janine in my hand. Of course, procrastinating as I am, everybody is watching as I give her my gift. As a result of the unintended "show", I'm sweating like Roger Ebert and nearly pass out in front of my locker door.

2001: I once again buy gifts for people in my class, but drastically downsize the list. I wear a Santa hat as I stroll into English class with Mr. McPhail in our last period of the day, and hand out gifts as we pretty much forget about class and Mr. M reads us some Christmas jokes and stories. Don't really remember a whole lot about Christmas at home that year.

2003: My buddies Chris, Kyle, Mitch, Alex and I get together at Kyle's place after school's out for the holidays. We watch probably about 5 or 6 movies and spend most of the night joking and horsing around, as well as burning candles and seeing who can last the longest with hot wax dripping on them. Can't remember who won but I remember it hurt like Hell. My family celebrates Christmas in Calgary with Jim and sis-in-law Daniella, so we open our gifts the night before we leave. My parents give me the camcorder I asked for, possibly making it the most expensive gift my parents have ever given any of their kids. I guess I'm just that special. Nevertheless, I feel a little bummed that I don't have any more gifts to open on Christmas Day but that feeling goes away quickly. What we all don't expect is the fight that Jim and Daniella have the day before we leave, which sort of puts a strain on the rest of that holiday season. Regardless, its just a lover's quarrel and all is forgotten. Nobody's perfect.

2004: Mom is again in Calgary this Christmas with Jim and Daniella, this time helping in the birth of my now 3-year old nephew Curtis. I do the cooking and cleaning on Christmas Eve, making Shake 'N Bake chicken with mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. Afterwards, family friend Curtis Read comes over and we all play Uno for most of the night, before watching "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" and going to bed. We open our gifts the next morning before heading off to Warman, celebrating Christmas with the rest of our family at my sister Launa and bro-in-law Brad's house.

2005: On my way out to Victoria back in September, I buy my round-trip plane tickets home for the holidays in advance. When it comes time to use them in December, I find myself almost not wanting to go home. Strange. Regardless, I have fun on Friday the 16th, playing Scene It! in screenwriting class, having lunch at Boston Pizza with my entourage of classmates, and seeing "King Kong" at the multiplex downtown. I then get back to my apartment, confirm my ride to the airport, and pack my suitcases while watching Smackdown. Its a long day at two different airports the next day, but I get home at about 9:00 on the 17th, my brother Perry's birthday. We get home, I unpack, and jet over to Outlook where I surprise the Hell out of Chris and Kyle and show up at Kyle's place, walk in without knocking, and casually walk down to the basement, like as if I hadn't been gone for over three months. Christmas Eve is especially good, as I simply drive around Outlook for more than an hour and a half, listening to music and enjoying being home for the brief time. Its a great holiday, and I get a digital camera for Christmas. Saying good-bye on New Year's Day proves to be emotional again but I make it back to Victoria safe and sound.

2006: I pretty much went through last year's way above, but I guess the memory that sticks out the most was the Boxing Day dance. I went with my buddy Alex and we ended up being the absolute first two people there. Things got going quick though and it was a great time. I took a boatload of pictures and loved talking to my old classmates again. I look forward to doing the same this year.

So there you have it. More memories, more secrets revealed in the never-ending saga that is my life. I only hope that this year will prove to be one worthy of remembering.

With that, I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember that our offices at The Outlook are **CLOSED** from December 24 - January 2. Take care of each other and make sure you have a happy holiday.

If you want something fun to do before your holiday traveling begins, then head on down to the Jim Kook Arena *TONIGHT* for Round One of the "Battle Of The Bridge", as the Ice Hawks play host to my Conquest Merchants. Round Two is going to be on New Year's Eve in Conquest. There's also a good supply of other SVHL games going on around the holidays that should keep you entertained.

Again, Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

See you NEXT YEAR, and in the meantime...

Keep 'em laughin',
Derek