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When I was growing up in Plainview, we boys used to make fun of Mr. Nat Hilton and Mr. Willie Withers. The reason? Both of them wore their “longhandle” underwear almost year round. For boys who had to be forced by our parents to put on “longhandles” in the dead of winter, such voluntary wearing of “longhandles” seemed ludicrous.

I could identify with the line used by Errol Castens in a recent column in the Daily Journal. He told about the kid who was raised out in the country and who experienced great anxiety every time he heard the song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Sure, he’s coming to town. He’ll make it to Many and Leesville, but what about all of us kids living out in the country? What about Route 1, Box 147, Hornbeck, Louisiana?

Fulton Oursler wrote one of my favorite Christmas stories: Pete Richards was in his shop the day a little girl came to his door. The little front window was strewn with the disarray of old-fashioned things: bracelets, gold rings, and necklaces.

On this winter’s afternoon a week before Christmas, a child was standing there, her forehead against the windowpane, studying each treasure. Finally, she straightened up and entered the store.

In our worship service on the Sunday morning before Thanksgiving, we gave special emphasis to thanking God for our blessings. And one of the blessings for which we were thankful was the baptism of John Charles Cobb. He had family members from all over who came for his baptism. It was a special day as he demonstrated his commitment to Christ by his baptism.

Last week Danielle was talking to the kids in the library at Anderson Elementary about Thanksgiving. She mentioned the Pilgrims and asked if anyone knew the name of the ship on which they came to America. One little boy raised his hand and said excitedly, “I know, I know.” Danielle said, “Okay, tell us the name of the ship on which they came.” He said, “They came over on the Cauliflower.”

As I was growing up, one of the staples of my television viewing was “Lassie.” Lassie’s master was Timmy. I use the word “master” loosely because Lassie actually ran the show. Timmy was constantly getting into various jams, and Lassie was always the one who came to his rescue.