This Christmas is the first ever that I have not been with my loved ones. Feels somewhat strange … but circumstances made it impractical this year. New York City, Fort Worth … you will miss me!

I will celebrate this day of Jesus’ birth with some of my church family. I am blessed to have great friends here in Branson Land; and we will make new memories this special day.

However, I will relate one of my most cherished holiday memories of all time. It was many Christmases past… when the Murphy Family was touring in California.

We were alone that year — just the 4 of us. We were making a decision as to where we would eat Christmas dinner. It was between a traditional holiday meal at a buffet, or Mexican food. Unable to come to a consensus, we voted.

3 to 1 — in favor of a traditional feast. Traditional Mexican, that is. Mom was the lone hold-out for turkey. Ah. Such great memories! 

Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours as you celebrate the Birth of our Lord.