Deployed commander reflects on holiday meaning Published Jan. 2, 2008 By Lt. Col. James Horton 916th Air Refueling Wing BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- Across the world, we celebrate holidays in many different ways, have different days set apart and hold many traditions surrounding those special days. If I asked you about fond holiday memories, everyone I asked would have a different story--some related and others totally unique. Memories of special foods, visiting family and certain family-centered activities rush to my mind. Such things as waiting impatiently until everyone was awake to rush to the tree/stocking, discovering what Santa had left. The smell of the usual Christmas breakfast waffling through the house made your mouth water. Deciding which was best--a gift-bearing stocking or the taste of country ham and biscuits--what a choice! Fast forward the disc of my life and you would see similar events set in motion with my children. One of the best things about two people with strong holiday memories of fun, laughter, and happiness is together the children have a better holiday experience! Again hit that dull-section-jumping-get-to-the-action button of my DVD, and what do you see? Someone who still loves holidays--someone who imposes his contagious desire to laugh and have fun on innocent bystanders. Not many holidays pass without either a costume or a related song to add to the festivities-- much to coworkers', friends' and family's hesitation (nearing dread). For the past two years, the Christmas season wasn't as "merry" or the New Year as "happy" as those previous. In addition to "missing" holidays, two wedding anniversaries were missed. For many, missing one of those events would be devastating. Those in the military miss many events--some "lose" years serving their country abroad. I may have missed a couple of years' holidays, but my sacrifice is miniscule compared to others. Just when you thought I was down, I experienced something this Christmas season most do not--a heat-packing Santa. I don't know about you, but I think the elves better not slack off. In every situation, we make it what we want. If you look for the rose in a pile of garbage, you can detect its sweet odor. Have a happy and safe New Year and watch A Few Good Men again.