'Tis the Season...

It's become as much of a tradition as trimming the tree.

The Christmas Gift and Hobby Show has been going on for 61 years now! Each year, there's always something new and different, but by and large it's the same wonderful atmosphere of unique gift ideas, yummy treats and occasional surprises.

Surprises? Yes, there are surprises. The ladies in this photo were surprised to find out that they were selected to receive some "Random Acts of Christmas" gifts, which included money that could be used on anything at the show and gift certificates for products and services by show vendors. Over the course of the show, more than $3,000 will end up being given away! How can you win? Well, it helps if you and your friends all wear reindeer antlers.

Regardless of whether or not you receive any random acts of kindness, you are sure to get your holiday shopping season started off on the right foot. What I like most about the show is that you can get so many personalized gifts. You can get your kid's name imprinted on any number of things, and you will also find a ton of things that you would have never found just wandering through the mall.

So if you haven't made this a part of your family's holiday traditions, you might want to start. And for all the husbands who are just "along for the ride," find the chocolate stand on the east side of the builidng. That alone is worth the trip. Merry Christmas!

Submitted by Andy Klotz