It's that time of year again! The holidays are upon us. Here in North Idaho it is a festive season, celebrated by some 30,000 people attending the 30th anniversary of The Coeur d'Alene Resort Holiday Light Show in downtown Coeur d'Alene. It has grown from a few lights decorating The Resort entrance to one and a half million lights burning brightly around the boardwalk, and 250 spectacular displays that are "ready to dazzle." The Resort light show has appeared in USA Today’s list of the top 10 best Christmas displays in the nation, according to an article in the CDA Press.

A time of year to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the season has become one of family traditions, with festive decorations at home and in the community. Family and friends gather around the dinner table for a scrumptious meal, and around the brightly decorated Christmas tree, awaiting the arrival of Santa and his reindeer. When everyone is asleep, Santa delivers the presents under the tree. Remember... there is a list. Naughty or Nice. Which are you?

Christmas as we know it, was not official until it was legislated by congress in 1870. It was outlawed in Boston form 1659 to 1681, holding to the Puritan beliefs of the Pilgrims, who came to America in 1620 and strongly condemned the celebration of Christmas, considering it a Catholic invention. At America's first permanent English colony founded in 1607, Jamestown, Virginia, Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

Traditional symbols of the American colonial Christmas did not resemble our modern Christmas celebration. The Christmas tree originated in Germany in the 16th century, but did not gain popularity in America until after 1842 when it was introduced in Williamsburg.

Comes now thoughts of our service members in faraway places. The distant lands of combat. Ships on the high seas. Sorties in the air. America's sentinels of freedom are on duty, ensuring our way of life and keeping us safe. Those serving, and those who served before, have sacrificed so much to preserve the democracy we so enjoy. Families too have sacrificed to support their troopers in harm's way. The empty chair at the holiday table, and the unopened presents under the tree, waiting for the safe return of their loved one, are part of our holiday tradition. We honor and have utmost respect for Gold Star families, especially at this time of year. The tragedy of losing a loved one is magnified when families celebrate this season, with thoughts of their trooper who gave it all.

All of us who have served, or are serving now, lament not being able to be part of family traditions so prevalent in memory. We wish we could be home, but realize that we are the one percent on duty, serving with conviction and pride, doing battle with the dragons of evil that threaten our way of life. There is a familiar holiday song that embodies our emotions at this time of year. "Home for the Holidays" (There is no place like home for the holidays) is a song published in 1954, composed by Robert Allen, with lyrics by Al Stillman. Perry Como recorded it, and it has become popular during the holiday season.

Being far away from home during the holidays, we think of another song that brings us home in spirit. It was written from the viewpoint of a soldier stationed overseas during World War II, but when pitched to people in the music business by lyricist Kim Gannon, it was turned down because "the final line was too sad for all those separated from their loved ones in the military." Gannon sang the song for Bing Crosby while they were playing golf. Crosby recorded it in 1943, and it is now a Christmas standard. Here it is:

I'll be home for Christmas You can count on me Please have snow and mistletoe And presents under the tree Christmas Eve will find me Where the love light beams I'll be home for Christmas If only in my dreams

Please remember our warriors during this holiday season. They selflessly serve to make America "the land of the free, and the home of the brave.”

Merry Christmas everybody!

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Jack Evensizer is a resident of Dalton Gardens.