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Hey Dad,

Right now it looks like a Christmas card outside with some old fashion, big flake, SNOW. I hope this doesn't come as a shocker, but Christmas is gaining on us mighty quickly.

I don't know about you, but I still have a bunch to do before the big day. First of all, I'm way behind the ball on my wife's Christmas present. I know we said we weren't going to do anything for each other this year because of our over-the-garage-add-on … but forget that.

How can a husband NOT give the person he loves the most, a token of his affection? Besides, we mentioned the idea in front of our kids, and they were aghast that we would even consider that. As my son Cal (3) said the other day, "Christmas is about presents." And he's right.

From the first gift that was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, it's been about giving. That's why we do it and why I'm going back on my promise and getting something for my wife … and so should you no matter what flimsy reason you may have for not doing it—and being broke doesn't count. You just have to be more creative.

This year, I'm making gifts for a couple of my kids because I know that dad-made gifts become cherished heirlooms, AND because I said, "I can make that," as I was looking at the expensive magazine model.

Not only do I have gifts to buy and make, but I need to call the Salvation Army to sign up the Wilson Bell ringers for some red-kettle action. If you've never rung a bell at Christmas time, it's a must do.

I also have a stack of Christmas classics that we need to watch, including a couple from the list of Christmas movies you mentioned last week (I can't believe I've never even heard of Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas).

Well, I've gotta go Dad, because "I'm busy, busy, busy," to quote a line from a Christmas classic." (I'll send a free Familyman t-shirt to the first one who emails me and correctly identifies which Christmas show that's from and the person who said it.)

So, don't get caught watching the Christmas paint dry. Get out there and 'do some Christmas.' Spend a few minutes thinking about what you can get your wife for Christmas, stop at Blockbuster and get a Christmas video and a box of candy canes, and give the Salvation Army a jingle.

You 'da dad,

© 2009 Todd Wilson. Used by permission

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