For two weeks now, I’ve been dodging a Christmas tree that takes up more than half of our dining room. Every morning and afternoon, I vacuum up what seems like an endless supply of needles and put the ornaments our dog knocked to the floor back on their respective branches. The lights, ornaments and tree cost more than I make in a week, not to mention the hike in our electric bill. This morning I found a strand of tinsel entangled in my toothbrush.

I’m trapped in a bad Chevy Chase movie.

With the upset in the economy now affecting even those of us who are normally broke, the recent wacky weather, screwy holiday schedules and early deadlines at work, I’m sure I’m not the only one feeling like a grinch this year. I’ve discovered one thought that makes it all bearable, however, and guess this as good a spot as any to share my source of 2008 holiday cheer.

Last week I asked my father what Mom wanted for Christmas this year. 

“A grandchild,” he joked.

What Dad doesn’t know is my wife and I have been hoping a stork might drop a bundle of joy on our doorstep since we moved ashore in October. We’re thinking Santa might beat him to it, though, making this Christmas a real occasion for celebration. 

Holidays are, after all, about kids, right? 

Why else would somebody wait in the freezing cold hours of the early morning and battle hundreds of other rabid-like shoppers just to ensure they grab the perfect gift before they’re gone? I can’t think of a friend or a family member that would inspire me to participate in Black Friday madness – although I covered it for the Sentry this year – but for my kid? Yeah, sure thing.

 I grumbled the whole half hour drive to the Christmas tree farm, complaining about my wife’s willingness to shell out hundreds of dollars in preparation for the holidays but sudden self-proclaimed poverty when it comes to paying the bills. With a kid in tow, I think I’d probably put on some Christmas music, maybe even sing along.

Amidst the chaos that resulted from dragging a spruce tree through our front door, my wife and I argued about the correct way to decorate a Christmas tree: she grew up with tinsel, I grew up with garland, I grew up with a white star, she grew up with a silver star, et cetera. Maybe it’s time we forget our childhood traditions and make new ones as parents.

Just thinking about a new member of the family is enough to keep me smiling while the dog chases our cat to the top of the tree, sending ornaments, lights and tinsel crashing to the floor. Whether you’re hoping for a baby, the latest gadget or a hard-earned Christmas bonus this year, have a good one.

- Nate Jones