by Laurie Singer

Holiday decorations are beginning to pop-up around the neighborhood. The stores started early, well before Thanksgiving.

When I went to Disneyland, I noticed Halloween and Christmas had been combined on the "Haunted Mansion" ride. It was so well done, no one seemed to mind.

At our house, I was big on lights and menorahs. Leroy was very picky when it came to the tree. It had to be a Fraser fir. We would canvas the tree lots to find just the right one.

Then out would come the big box filled with ornaments. Each one was unwrapped, then he'd carefully pick a branch that would bend with the weight of a Christmas memory.

Memories are so big this time of year. Sometimes too big. We need to concentrate on finding the holiday spirit, instead of being "holiday sad."

I know it's a challenge.

I'll try, if you try.