Happy New Year

Christmas has come and gone for those of us who live in the Rio Grande Valley. But some of the world is still waiting for that special day. For some countries gifts are exchanged on January 6 or Three Kings Day for that is recognized as the day that the Wise Men arrived with their gifts for the Christ Child. All countries seem to have their own customs.

For instance, at one time the custom in Holland was for the children to leave their wooden shoes out to receive their gifts. I am sure that if I had grown up in Holland, I would have looked for the biggest pair of wooden shoes that I could find. Certainly, a pair of stockings hung on the chimney can hold more than small wooden shoes. I wonder if it is still custom in Holland to put the shoes out to receive the gifts. Let me know if you know the answer to that question.

Different countries celebrate Christmas in different ways, but many do exchange gifts. Exchanging gifts at Christmas time probably stems back to the time when God sent his son as his gift to us. Then along came St. Nicholas who believed in giving gifts for the less fortunate and so was born Santa Claus.

We have so many gifts that we should be thankful for. I thank each and every one of you who are visiting our Rio Grande Valley. Your gift to us is the gift of sharing that you bring to this part of Texas. You share so much of your culture, your love for each other, and for those who are less fortunate. Thank you. Have a beautiful and blessed New Year.

I look forward to seeing many of you on my trips this coming year. I am very busy trying to get all the contracts in place so watch for the next issue. Surely by then I will have all the dates and prices.

Happy New Year!