There are many traditions for Christmas celebration from around the world. Some of them are so ingrained in our behavior that we see them as things we must do, not things we do for meaning.

Around our home there are many little traditions that seem like fun. Starting with St. Nicholas Eve and placing your shoes out to catch a glimpse of the holiday to come. The Spekulatius cookies that appear at this time.

The elves watching and recording the good and bad behaviors.

Going out to search for the perfect tree, which seems to take longer than it should. Returning home to something warm as the tree acclimates to the house. Its scent filling the room with fresh outdoor clarity.

Pulling out the lights to string on the tree. Followed by the ornaments so carefully placed and cherished, as they all seem to have some special meaning or memory.

Baking cookies until you have way more that you actually need or should eat. But the tradition is to bake and cover them in sweetness. You justify the over baking by saying"We can give them as gifts.Who doesn't like cookies?". Problem solved, you bake a few dozen more.

For me the tradition of my card starts around Halloween when I begin to try to imagine what I can use for a theme. I always hope to have it firmed up so the card can be completed by Thanksgiving give or take a week. Then playing around with the final copy photography until I think I have one I like ready to be sent to the printer. We can do this all digitally now. In earlier years I had to take the original in and hope it printed as I had envision it. Usually it did. That also explains why they were black and white copies. I and family members would hand color each card. Around 2004 I switched from 8x10 inch drawings to the 16x22 size I do now.

The tradition became established that certain elements were a requirement.There was always the pets, the kids, the elves, the stars and Santa with his mouse. As my three grew and had their own I began to add the newbies. Usually something that was happening in our family became a source for ideas. Many of the backgrounds were interiors and exteriors of the homes where we lived.

I added the border idea in 1992 in a simple form, discarded it for a few years and then brought it back. Once it was back it began to grow into an important detail of the theme of each card.

I've always started with a pencil under drawing and then inked it in. I have tried various color media but stay very steady with color pencil. I do like to use water color on some themes. I will never do a computerized media version again, too many grumbling recipients!

I am thinking that as time progresses those easy traditions and their simplicity seem to morph into even more complex traditions. However more involved these traditions become they still contain a constant reminder to us of the past we have enjoyed and the hope we have for the future.

This year's card came about because of instead of shopping stores for gifts we ordered on line. I realized how important those persons who provide services to us are.

It reminded me that when I was teaching the people I worked with and valued the most were the custodial staff, the kitchen staff, and the office workers. The boxes kept piling up. The packages kept arriving and I thought to myself "How does this work at the North Pole?" So here is my conception for this year's card.

I do hope you enjoy it!

Stay safe, be kind, tolerate differences,

and above all share your love with everyone you know

MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY HOLIDAYS