Believe. One of my dad’s favorite words and how he would define his favorite holiday. In my younger years, the holiday season would start with Jim and Dad exchanging their gifts at the bar. It was always something that moved, made noise and would make you smile. Our collection grew as other friends like Timmy and Todd joined in on bringing the laughter out and now we have elves playing bells, penguins dancing on ice, singing trees and dancing hats, jingling light post, Elvis singing ornaments and a talking wreath… just to name a few. Every year Dad wore his Christmas sweater with Santa’s face stitched with love by mom with the words “I Believe”. Then he would reach down and turn on his musical socks from Jim. We found out later that he never washed those socks as he was scared they would stop playing the Christmas melody. His explanation was that he only wore them one day a year, so they weren’t that dirty. Jeff and I were in shock especially after doing the math as to how old those socks really were! (hopefully mom secretly hand washed them!) Christmas Eve shared many memorable moments… Who remembers the chimney fire at Buckingham Court? Apparently you aren’t supposed to burn the wrapping paper! Of course, Dad thanked the fire chief with a bottle of booze for the team. Driving home from Uncle Rogers to find a light-up, life-size nativity scene set up on our front lawn (thanks Jim) If that didn’t make Dad drive through the garage door, two years later we returned home from Uncle Rogers to a hog’s head inside a wreath hanging up above the garage. (thanks Roger) … and every Christmas Santa arrived. Our family would sit around the tinseled tree that was overflowing with presents. In younger years, we would open them all morning and then head to grandma's and spend the afternoon playing with the new treasures. The finale was coming home to friends at the bar, ready for one last cheers of Christmas! When Mom and Dad moved to Pinehurst, Christmas still remained super special for our family as new traditions were created - always filled with a family filled with love and laughter until your sides hurt! Last November my dad was all excited as he was done Christmas shopping. He told me that it was going to be so big I wouldn’t even be able to take it home! It was fun hearing his excitement. We were all impressed that he finished shopping before Thanksgiving, but then sadly it all made sense. This past Christmas my dad’s spirit shinned through Santa in glowing colors. As we all were missing him dearly, it was so special to open gifts from him. My dad was the most giving man who had the propensity to make every Christmas truly magical. There is another holiday that I thank my father for. I never had a boyfriend on Valentine’s Day for the first 32 years of my life. The day devoted to love can be pretty lonely when there is no one there to share it with. Every year I could count on my dad to be my Valentine. Part of his Valentine from last year is still on my fridge – a post- it stating - “Be mine, love Poppa.” He would always make sure that a card, flowers or jewelry arrived just in time. I don’t think he ever knew how much he helped me get through such a lonely day. I was so thankful of his love. Last year I sent him a Valentine expressing how wonderful a father he was. He called me overjoyed saying he felt like Superman after reading the card! I’m glad I was able to bring some joy as he had for me for so many years! This Valentine’s day a box arrived at my door. My boyfriend picked it up and looked at me and said a little puzzled, “its from your dad.” In it was a heart bracelet and a note from my mom explaining that he had “daddy’s little girl’s” gift ready for Valentine’s day. It matched the necklace he gave me last year. I am extremely lucky to have him as my Poppa. He was always there for me to bring a smile and brighten my day. Dad has taught me many things throughout my life, especially the true meaning of believe. I believe.