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"It's the most wonderful time of the year."

When I hear Andy Williams' rich voice belting out that song, I have to agree. The Ohio Valley is dressed up and decked out not only with evergreen and holly boughs but with millions of "twinkie" lights, as my daughter calls them. The weather may be chilly and our homes and cars are facing the onslaught of salt and dirt, but if you focus your eyes upward instead of down, you'll see the beauty of the season in your neighbors' warm smiles, decorated windows and nativity scenes.

It's time for Oglebay's Festival of Lights, the Good Zoo light show, ice skating at Wheeling Park (and now Follansbee), breakfasts with Santa, holiday programs at preschools and schools, the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert and, of course, those annual can't-miss TV specials, "Charlie Brown Christmas," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman."

Local church bells peal the carols that herald Christ's birth, and Christians celebrate with awe and wonder that 2,000-year-old miracle.

At my house, the celebration begins with St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6, when we remember the good deeds of the third-century saint by placing gold foil chocolate coins in Emma's shoe on the mantle. On Christmas eve, we go to church, after which we read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and open one gift each. Later, St. Nick's cousin of sorts, Santa Claus, fills a stocking and leaves her three presents - the same number of gifts baby Jesus received from the Wise Men. Of course, Mommy, Daddy and other family members give and receive gifts, too. For Christmas dinner, our traditional meal features steak on the grill.

A couple weeks ago, Emma said she didn't care if she ended up on the Naughty List, but I don't think she understood all the ramifications of that statement. I have a feeling she'll discover soon enough that she'd rather stay on the Nice List.

The worst part for me about Christmas is how naked and drab the houses and streets look when the decorations come down. I think I need to invest in some "winter" decorations to help keep things sparkling until spring!

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I think I am more excited at "The Princess and the Frog" movie, which hits theaters Dec. 11, than my daughter is. She simply doesn't realize the significance of this event! First, there hasn't been a new bona-fide Disney princess since when? Mulan, maybe? Second, Princess Tiana is the first black Disney princess. Can you join me in saying, "It's about time!" We have white princesses with a variety of hair colors, an Arabian princess, an Asian princess, a Native American princess, even a mermaid princess! What took Disney so long?

I received the soundtrack from Disney and hope Emma and I learn all the new songs by the time the film comes out. Warning to anyone in the theater with me: I WILL be dancing in my seat!

Even if I didn't have a princess-loving daughter, I'd be stoked for this movie. I hope it lives up to my expectations!

In between shopping, wrapping, baking and decorating, I hope you can squeeze in some "you"-time to devour this issue of OV Parent, which is jam-packed with holiday-related articles and activities. If you're looking for things to do with the kids over their break from school, check out Jennifer Gregory's "Teachable Moments" article on page 11 and Heidi Maness Hartwiger's Natural Parent, Natural Child article, which features a kid-friendly recipe for making dog biscuits.

For gift ideas that won't break the bank, Angela Chastain offers some clever, quick and inexpensive solutions. Families who are facing divorce or separation this year - or know someone who is - will find the DadtoDad feature with Glenn Stearnes enlightening.

Don't forget to e-mail your entries for this month's awesome giveaways, listed on page 4, in addition to the "40 Years of Sunny Days" giveaway listed on page 9! We have an early deadline this month, Dec. 18, in the hopes you will receive your prizes in time for Christmas.

Have a blessed holiday season!

Betsy

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