Crimma Prents...

...Or Christmas Presents, if your name isn't Ozzy.

There have been numerous complaints over the years that Marilyn and I are hard to buy for. The gripe is something along the lines of: "If Dad (or Mom) needs something, he goes out and buys it, and anything that I might give him won't express how I really feel."

Well, I'll let you in on a little secret. I do buy what I think I need, and I know how you feel, and am awed by it.

It really does not matter to me what the gift is if it's given in a spirit of love. I can only recall one gift in 60 Christmases that I thought was done out of necessity ("I've got to give him something, so I'll give him this!") rather than out of desire to please. (Stop worrying, it didn't come from any of you. :) ) Any gift at all is sure to be well thought out by the giver and appreciated well beyond what it cost by the recipient.

So kids, when I say "It doesn't matter" when you ask what I want for Christmas, know that I'm not blowing you off. It really does not matter to me, because I know that you all love Mom and I, and we love you and are glad that you're all part of our lives.

It may be frustrating, but that's the way it is.