So, as I plan my holiday time and feel the excitement building around my favorite time of year, I will focus on instilling the very same kinds of memories and feelings in Tyler, Carson and Ashby that were instilled in me as a child. No, I won't go buy all the new devices, games or toys. Those things eventually get lost, put away or are no longer the "must have" item (which often means they end up in the garage or trash). These things won't last a lifetime.

Instead, we'll decorate the house, listen to Christmas music, make cookies, watch "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and enjoy each other's company. I will do everything I can to give them the holidays I had—ones that are full of fond memories, warm feelings and recollections they can share with their children. It will be those memories that will last a lifetime.

So, as we all go into a holiday season that coincides with a very difficult economic time, I would ask that we all reflect on what it is about the holidays we love. What is it about the holidays that bring out the little child in all of us? Capture that and keep in mind the true meaning of the season.