Christmas nostalgia and Winterfest return

As I do every year, I was recalling those long ago Christmas holidays and what a big deal my father made about "his" Christmas tree. I was not surprised to learn that many of my friends remember fondly back when we were first allowed to help decorate the lower branches of the tree - the ones we could reach.

But strangely enough, the tree I most vividly remember was one that Dad put up when he was 86.

He and Mother were living in a very nice church-sponsored retirement community in Lancaster County, Pa. Dad always played the piano in the residents' dining room before dinner each day, and everyone looked forward to his performance, arriving early to enjoy the music.

Each year he insisted on buying a huge Christmas tree for the room, and decorating it to his own specifications. I was visiting that year and was privileged to help trim the tree - and a privilege it was. He had a wonderful collection of decorations assembled over many years, and was always incredibly finicky about how the finished tree looked.

First there were the myriad colored lights starting at the top of the tree. Then the spectacular treetop angel, imported from Germany, was installed. After that came the delicate glass ornaments, carefully balanced, and finally the individual strands of tinsel, very evenly distributed. It was a wonderful sight when it was done.

That evening as the people assembled for dinner, he proudly turned on the tree lights, then sat down and began playing Christmas carols in his own inimitable romantic style.

There were quite a few teary eyes in the audience, and even the kitchen staff gathered at the door to enjoy the music.

All these years later, as I cheerfully center my tiny tabletop tree on my small table at home, I remember that long ago day with a smile. Good work, Dad!

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The holiday season has arrived, and for Northwest Florida that can mean only one thing - Winterfest is back.

Winterfest is a month-long holiday season event that features trolley tours throughout Pensacola's historic downtown district. More than twenty stops are made along the route, each featuring a different holiday theme.

Singing guides accompany riders into a world of wonder featuring scenes from your favorite holiday memories, including Elvis, Rudolph, Frosty, Ebeneezer Scrooge and the Grinch!

These tours run Friday and Saturday nights until Dec. 15, with a special Bonus Night on Sunday, Dec. 16. Price is $16.50 for adults, $12.50 for kids 10 and under.

Santa's Holiday Express Tour, a 30 minute tour, is especially great for young children and out-of-town guests. Santa rides every night from Dec. 17 through Christmas Eve. Price is $10 adults, $6 kids 10 and under.

There are also Frosty's Holiday Light Tour, the Holiday Seville Walking Tour, and Horse and Buggy Tours available. One of them will be the perfect way to spend a holiday evening for couples or families.

Prices listed above are for online reservations up to noon on the day of the event. On-site ticket rates are higher. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. For more information, please visit the Winterfest website at www.pensacolawinterfest. org, or contact Denise Daughtry at (850) 435-0914.

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If you are a retiree who is new to the state of Florida, you may not know retirees are second only to tourism as a benefit to the fiscal health of our state.

Research based in Orlando finds that retired persons in Florida contribute more to the economy than they receive in services. Those over 65 contribute more than $37 billion annually. Most come to the state with comfortable pensions and pay their own medical bills as well as state taxes, which are often much lower than those of their home state. So you can be proud to say "I am a new retiree," and I guarantee the "old timers" will greet you with open arms.

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Stay away from those party leftovers in the fridge - Remember, "Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever."

See you next week!