I wasn't always a grinch around Christmas. I once was an excited little boy spending weeks studying page after page of toys in the Sears catalogue. I remember sitting hours in the dark watching the blinking lights on the tree. My youngest sister & I (we were the only two left at home) would pick out the spots for Santa to leave our presents.
Some things really stick out. Inflateable boxing glove things. (what the Hell were those things called?) Eagle-eye GI Joe with kung-fu grip. An X-Wing fighter. Of course the year I got my first motorcycle (a Honda CT70), that was a pivitol moment in my life that I wonder if my parents ever wished they could take back.
Bags and boxes of fruit and nuts. Oranges, tangerines, walnuts, almonds. Everyone came home. My oldest sister, her Pensylvania-yankee husband and their two boys (one a year older than me, one five years younger). My oldest brother and his now ex-wife (a red-head... I wonder if that was an influence on my proclivaties...) My youngest brother who was still in the Air Force (one year... '75 I guess, I remember talking to him on the phone because he was in Greece.)

I was in the church Christmas play every year. Most years I was a wise man. (Ironic, huh?) Frakencense to offer had I. It was also almost always my job to read Luke chapter two at the end. I never felt that I did as good a job as Linus did in the Charlie Brown special.

2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.