It's the time of the year when I will keep my computer closed longer than any other time of the year. It's Christmas time. When I was a kid, the Christmas at home was the best that I knew. Since childhood, I have seen many other cultures and met other religions so I rather keep myself silent about religious things that Christmas involves. But the Christmas comes along with something that I do want to express. It is happiness and care of other people. That is what makes my Christmas year after year.

I really miss those Christmas days when I was a kid. The belief in Santa Claus was so real. Of course he lived in "Korvatunturi" - a mountain in Lappland of Finland. Elfs used their time throughout the year, making gifts for all of us. On Chirstmas eve it was Santa's time to do the hard work. Takes his reindeers out and visit all families. We kids - we had to sang songs or play something for Santa when he visited in our houses and we were really nervous. I remember once I hit my head very hard to corner of a table when playing for Santa. That all is something I really miss.

This world today is so fast and people seldom have time to stop for a while and think about important things like friendship and care. In my mind, Christmas is something that will do that job if you just let it do

Merry Christmas!

Juha Haapala