Dear Friends,

I hope this holiday season finds you well.  With all the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year, I squeezed in the opportunity to reflect on my years growing up around Christmas time.

            As most Geneva Steel families in Utah County, the Christmas Season always had an uncertainty about how much or how little would be under the tree.  With this roller coaster of layoffs and “downsizing,” my family would purchase Christmas tree permits.  Then as a family we would load up in the regular cab Chevy and with a trailer in tow headed to our “secret” Christmas tree spot.  There we seemed to walk in the snow for miles as we searched for the 15 to 20 trees to fill our permit.  Once found we would saw the tree and then drag the tree back to the truck and trailer.  This was no easy task and was a full day of work.  It was always a sigh of relief when the last tree was cut and loaded back on the trailer.

            The ride home was always fun to discuss which trees would demand the highest price and who was the one who found it. We would take out a sheet of paper and began to price each tree.  It was a very simple form of an excel spreadsheet.  Once the prices were determined, we would total all the money from the sales of the trees.  We then had to subtract our fuel and permit costs.  From there we would split our profits between my parents, 2 sisters and myself.

            Upon arriving home, we would set up the trees along the side of our house, set up the “Christmas Trees for Sale” sign and wait for prospective purchasers.  For as long as I can remember this was my family’s ritual.  It was always a feeling of accomplishment when we sold our last tree and divide up the money.  We then had our Christmas lists and would go out and shop for our family and friends.

            Looking back at those long walks in the snow, dragging those heavy trees, brings back such fine memories and life lessons.  Hard work, budgeting, sales, marketing and giving were all the things my parents taught us.  I hope that I can find ways as my parents did to teach my children these life principles.  Not only did they teach us these principles but it was great memories.

I like the story of the father’s and son’s journals sitting in a chest.  The father’s entry on a particular day said, “Wasted day.  Took Nick fishing and didn’t catch anything.  Should have gone to work.”  The son’s journal on the same day said, “Great day.  Dad took off work and we went fishing.  Didn’t catch anything but it was my best day ever!!”

            I so wish you the very best in 2008.  Go and make a memory.  I hope this holiday season finds you well and healthy.  If I can ever do anything for you, please let me know.

Merry Christmas!  Lots of love,

Kenny Parcell