Often, around this time of the year, editor Steph has sent out notices to Webb Weekly writers reminding us to get our pre-Christmas columns in early to beat the holiday deadline. Such was not the case this year, as the calendar gives us a bit more time until the big day arrives.
For procrastinators, the time between now and December 25 may be a Blitzkrieg of activity for all preparations to be in place before the special day of the year arrives.
Despite my dislike for snow and cold weather, since my childhood days, the Christmas season has been looked upon with much anticipation. Shopping is a favorite pastime and ever since we were married, I’m the one in the Lowery household that handles most of the gift wrapping, ditto on sending the greeting cards and stringing the Christmas lights. Christmas spirit is not hard to come by.
Recently, while out and about, a friend and I were discussing holiday plans. She has two young daughters and was lamenting Christmas present-buying decisions. She revealed she had asked her oldest daughter what she might like for Christmas. The young girl replied that she really didn’t need anything, telling her mother not to worry about it because Santa Claus always has known what she would like.
“That didn’t give me much to go on,” the mother laughed about her unsolved quandary.
Regardless of your personal faith, or lack thereof, the spirit of ‘tis better to give than to receive’ fills the hearts of many this time of the year. During the past few weeks, appeals for Toys for Tots, Santa’s Seniors, and similar asks have seen warm responses given with hopes of brightening days for others facing difficult times.
Over the years, those occasions shared to provide food for the table, warm clothing, toys for kids, or just a bit of fellowship to those among us in need both opened eyes and lifted spirits as to the joy and benefits of giving. On a personal front, as a husband, father, and grandfather, making the preparations to give and witnessing the reactions of those on the receiving end have been much more fun than receiving — and I’ve been blessed to have opened some truly appreciated gifts.
We all have those gift memories on the receiving end.
I was one of those kids who loved to listen to the radio broadcasts of MLB games. The men-behind-the-mic of those days were in my ears and eyes as bigger than life. The Phillies by Saam, the Dodgers’ Red Barber, Vince Scully, and the Pirates’ Bob Prince had the perfect jobs as far as I was concerned. I had even gotten up the nerve to write a letter to Saam asking him for advice as to getting into baseball broadcasting. I was thrilled when I received his reply, which I still have to this day.
Somehow, Santa got word about my fixation with the game and, under the tree, was found a most-welcomed and still remembered Christmas present. It was a reel-to-reel tape recorder complete with a microphone and all the needed trimmings. By today’s modern standards, that recorder would best be described as a monstrosity. It was large and somewhat heavy, but to me, it was a thing of beauty.
That gift would provide countless hours of enjoyment as I ‘broadcast’ make-believe games and statistical data in the privacy of my bedroom ‘studio,’ hoping one day to do it ‘for real’ as my MLB announcer heroes were doing. Although that ultimate goal went unfulfilled, the many local broadcasts I have shared with Bill Byham, Ken Sawyer, Mike Fogarty, and others over the years all had their beginnings on that long-ago Christmas morning.
As the years have gone by, Jean has often spoken of the many great ‘gifts’ we have received through our association with sporting activities. While they have not come wrapped in colorful paper from QVC or UPS, those trips, friendships, and experiences give testament to the joys provided by the sports that surround us.
So, we offer this reminder that after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season subsides, take some time to ‘unwrap’ the many ‘gifts’ on display in gymnasiums across the region skillfully displayed by the hoopsters and wrestlers in your local community. They will appreciate your interest, and the memories created will warm the chill of the upcoming winter.
Twas a few days before Christmas, and people did scurry,
To find all those last-minute gifts in a hurry,
It matters not if it’s a ball, sweater or hat,
Giving to others – that’s where it is at.
We at Webb Weekly are here every week,
Providing information & entertainment is what we do seek,
From these pages, we share all through the year,
Merry Christmas to you and those you hold dear!
