Fa la la la la.

It’s Christmas time – the most wonderful time of the year. I actually remember back when Christmas carolers would traverse the neighborhoods in Glen Elder. It wasn’t just Glen Elder, obviously, there were carolers everywhere.

I know some groups will go around to business and carol for people but going door-to-door to Christmas Carol has all but gone the way of the 8-track tape.

Back in the day, as they say, it wasn’t always organization or churches. Sometimes it was just a group of people wanting to spread some Christmas cheer. I even went caroling once despite my inability to sing well. That just doesn’t matter at Christmas time. Although they did tell me to sing quietly.

Despite the lack of caroling nowadays, there is still plenty of Christmas cheer around Great Bend. Right now the city is full of Christmas. Of course a hot chocolate or french vanilla cappuccino and a trip around town to see the all the decorations is great family fun.

That includes Great Bend Trail of Lights – recently named by Kansas Magazine as a Kansas Treasure. Great Bend was one of six cities mentioned.

So get out and take in the displays. Sing a song or two while you drive around and view the lights if you wish. You can even roll the windows down and sing loud if you like. It’s okay.

Prep Thoughts

It was going to happen. It was just a matter of time for the Great Bend boys’ basketball team to get that first win. There will be more. This is a group that has ability. The schedule hasn’t been and isn’t kind for them.

Add the fact the Panthers missed out on some practice time as the football team advanced in the playoffs and it isn’t that surprising they are off to a slow start.

The win over Buhler gives Great Bend a positive feeling heading into the Christmas break. The Panthers will dive into WAC play when January gets here. Others teams in the conference may look past the Panthers. That would be a mistake.

And Finally

Tis the season to be jolly. Yes, Christmas is here.

My favorite time of the year. As usual, I’ve been enjoying the Christmas movies on TV.

I enjoy watching all the old Christmas favorites, you know like A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer, A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street and my all-time favorite – It’s a Wonderful Life. The black and white version, of course.

I can handle some of the ‘new’ movies as well. Katelyn’s favorite is Elf. Crystal likes Fred Claus. I’m okay with the Santa Clause. But only the first one. Well, the second one is okay but the third one is just too out there for me.

Oh, and Christmas Vacation isn’t too bad either. Easily the second best of the Vacation movies after the original.

My favorite part of Christmas, of course, is seeing my family. Going up to God’s Country and visiting is at the top of the Christmas list.

This will be the first trip to Glen Elder with the new dog. We will see how that goes. Bambi doesn’t take well to new people. She kind of likes to bark at them. All seven pounds of her.

In the past Waffle played second fiddle to my dearly departed Daisy Mae. This will be the first Christmas without my Daisy. Sad face.

This year, though, there is a pretty good chance Waffle moves up the ladder with my parents to their favorite. I don’t expect any hugs or letting him lick their face, however. My Dad and Bambi meeting may be interesting to say the least. She barks and so does he.

One thing I always like doing when visiting is playing the old board games. Board games were always big when I was growing up. They still are when I visit. My nephew Reese loves to play them as well. I will do my best to get my board game fix in while I’m there.

Anyway, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Take the time to stop and enjoy the moments. They are among the best of the year.

Mike Marzolf is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune and his views don’t necessarily reflect those of the paper. He can be reached at MarzolfM@bartonccc.edu.