Across from Company X is a little piece of Heaven: Cold Stone. The Mud Pie Mojo is an amazing creation of coffee ice cream, peanut butter, Oreos, chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and almonds.

I get down on my knees and beg Big Daddy for the creamy greatness. The sweet and salty flavors blend in perfect harmony, and it makes me scream with delight.

Big Daddy loves to pleasure me, so I get some pretty often. When I weigh 600 lbs, you

Do you believe in Santa Claus? Movies such as Miracle on 34th Street show us all the reasons to believe. True virtue and goodness are exhibited in Santa Claus. He is a kind man who loves unconditionally. He represents childlike faith and pure happiness. Santa Claus helps us believe that wishes come true.

When I was little, my mom took me to get my picture with the Santa at Northpark in Dallas every Christmas. Now, I take Joseph to get his picture with Santa. This is the joy of the season and one of many family traditions of this time of year.

I love how family traditions are most evident around the holidays. People celebrate this time of year differently, which makes it a very exciting time. Happy Hanukkah to those who begin celebrating your traditions tomorrow!

For us, Christmas traditions also include the baby Jesus in the manger. Our Nativity scene is out in our living room with our Christmas tree. In my family, Santa comes on Christmas Eve, but before we open gifts Christmas morning, we go to Church to say Happy Birthday to Jesus. I love the traditions we celebrate in the Catholic Church; the same ones that our great-grandparents practiced decades ago, and we will share with our son, Joseph.

So, Merry Christmas to all of you who are preparing to celebrate Christmas on Thursday! Happy Kwanzaa to you all next week! May those celebrating the Winter Solstice on the 21st have a fun-filled occasion! To those who are agnostic or atheist, happy vacation days off work!

Embrace the differences in others. Encourage others? celebrations. Believe in Santa Claus.

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