PERSPECTIVE FROM THE 19^TH HOLE: This is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf. Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all of my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon, as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist. This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.

We have just come through another Christmas, so, before too much more time elapses and we begin to focus on the New Year, just a few words on ”our” Christmas traditions.

Christmas is always is a great time for me and my family. One of the reasons is that my wife, Nancy, has established a range of Christmas activities, which have become traditions, ones our kids (and grandkids) don’t want to miss, even as they celebrate the season with their own, smaller families.

The activities listed below are secondary to the real meaning of Christmas, which is the time Christ came to earth to be born as a baby and, based on his life, provide a way for us to have a relationship with Him.

Here is a brief summary of the traditions Nancy has emphasized for our family over the years:

Breakfast: One of the highlights is a breakfast meal – the same one every year. A feature is sweet rolls that rise overnight and, then, in the oven, are warmed with brown sugar and who knows what else top make them the highlight of the meal.=

The rolls are combined with bacon, eggs, berries and mimosas to make a feast.

Presents in stockings: Breakfast is preceded by a time to open stockings. Everyone has one, which, for a few days, have been hung over the fireplace.=

More presents: After breakfast, we open all of other presents, which is a time for the grandkids to exclaim over various gifts. Seeing their faces lights up the house!

The Christmas tree: Several years ago, after usually cutting down a live tree as a family Christmas experience, we opted for an artificial tree. Time has shown it was a good decision.

But not just because of the “new” tree, which is the same one every year.

One of the most meaningful traditions around our house revolves around a major tradition, one owing – as with all other Christmas traditions — to the forethought and commitment of my wife.

Since she was a little girl, she has collected Christmas tree ornaments so that, today, she has more than 500. Just think how long it takes to place the ornaments on the tree or take them down after Christmas!   A long time.

But it’s worth it.

We have the most incredible tree in all of the world!

The Christmas Story: Another tradition is always to read the Christmas story chronicled in Luke Chapter 2. The words are, (a) very meaningful to describe the miracle of Christ’s birth, and (b) assure that, along with a great tree, a traditional breakfast and Christmas presents, all of his remember the real meaning of Christmas – the time of the birth of Christ who came to provide a way of salvation for all of us.

So, thanks to my wife for all of our Christmas traditions. They are meaningful every year, including the one just past.