In the spirit of the season, what was the best Christmas you remember?

I remember helping my neighbors decorate their tree on Christmas eve. I was in elementary school then.

Being Jewish we didn't have trees or Christmas decorations, but I enjoyed the holiday and exchanging gifts and the festive atmosphere in my small, home town.

During my professional career in news, I always volunteered to work on Christmas day so others could spend it with their families. Working on Christmas was something that made me feel good -- after all, I got to take off work for the Jewish high holy days.

But I will always remember that time I helped the Courtneys decorate their tree. My friend was Johnny, and his older sister was Patty. Mr. Courtney was a sergeant with our town's police department and Mrs. Courtney was a full time mom. Moms were full time moms back then. In the morning Johnny and I would exchange gifts and then have a snowball fight.