Some years, I can't get into the Christmas spirit.

Perhaps it's hearing the same songs for as long as I can remember — over and over and over again. "There's no place like home for the holidays." "Merry Christmas, darling." "Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock." "Frosty the snowman." "I'm dreaming of a White Christmas."

This time of year, life seems like the 1993 Bill Murray film, "Groundhog Day." Those who celebrate Christmas have the same routine: pick a tree, string lights, exchange holiday greetings, give gifts, and sing songs.

Of course, the sentiment behind all these things is peaceful and life affirming, but the traditions sometimes seem repetitive and predictable.

Then again, perhaps it's personal history: My father suddenly died Monday, Oct. 11, 1999. I was just a high school junior, and it was traumatic for a 17-year-old — one that darkened the general season of holidays (in my household, that includes Halloween, Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas).

Perhaps the subsequent years of grief, and all the paperwork that losing a loved one entails, starkly contrasted with the cheerful season of caroling and stringing lights, and that changed my perspective.

Or, perhaps the commercial takeover of Christmas distracts from the season's true meaning for the faithful: celebrating Jesus Christ's birth.

People being trampled over, even killed, on Black Friday, parents fighting over the last of the year's hottest toy on the shelf, or watching some complain about the gifts they receive while I know there are others far less fortunate.

Regardless of the reason, I'm sure my characteristic overthinking of everything compounds the numbness.

But usually, something unexpected happens, and I find the Christmas spirit, the holiday in my heart.

This year, that came while reading North Okaloosa County children's letters to Santa Claus. (See links in "Related Content" at left.) I love reading children's innocent, unfiltered (and not spell-checked) words. One's wish that "my Dad and mom didn’t have to whork that much." Or, "If you can give me a gift, I would love to have my Daddy back." And even, "Dear Santa, You are not real! … I am going to be half asleep because I am going to prove that Santa isn’t real."

I love seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child, because they haven't experienced an adult's heartaches and setbacks, or nearly enough of those things to develop a more cynical worldview.

I'm not a pessimist, but I am a reformed idealist. I've learned that the boy doesn't always get the girl; that the hardest and most skilled worker doesn't automatically get the promised promotion — in fact, sometimes that opportunity just "evaporates" (that was circa 2011 in Alabama); and some people are downright cold and heartless, hurting people they don't even know, in the name of nothing, and there's nothing you can do about it.

There's so much pain in the world — war, homelessness and hunger, for instance —  that  I have gradually forgotten most worldly things. I'm not a "car guy." I don't have a favorite gadget I want for Christmas. There's nothing material on my Christmas or birthday lists; I sooner wish for healing of relationships and more friends, because those things truly matter.

But admittedly, I get a chuckle upon reading these Santa letters and learning about the Fartzooka, and other toys I've never heard of, and a skipped heartbeat when a child says something that forces me to read between the lines and find the hidden turmoil.

And it reminds me of the fun of hearing Perry Como records growing up, the wonder of kneeling before the nativity scene each midnight Mass, and the overwhelming joy of giving, even if I'm not receiving something in return.

I hope these letters also help you find the holiday in your heart.

Merry Christmas. 

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BONI: Finding the holiday in your heart

If you own a business, you may well follow a "do it now" philosophy — which is, of course, necessary to keep things running smoothly.

Still, you also need to think about tomorrow— which means you'll want to take action on your own retirement and business succession plans.

Fortunately, you've got some attractive options. For example, you could choose a retirement plan that offers at least two key advantages: potential tax-deferred earnings and a wide array of investment options.

Plus, some retirement plans allow you to make tax-deductible contributions.

In selecting a retirement plan, you'll need to consider several factors, including the size of your business and the number of employees.

If your business has no full-time employees other than yourself and your spouse, you may consider a simplified employee pension plan or an owner-only 401(k), sometimes known as an individual or solo 401(k).

Or, if your goal is to contribute as much as possible, you may want to consider an owner-only defined benefit plan.

If you have employees, you might want to investigate a SIMPLE IRA or even a 401(k) plan.

Your financial adviser, working with plan design professionals and your tax adviser, can help you analyze the options and choose the plan that fits with your personal and business goals.

Now, let's turn to business succession plans. Ultimately, your choice of a succession plan strategy will depend on many factors, such as the value of your business, your need for the proceeds from the sale of the business for your retirement, your successor, and how well your business can continue without you.

If your goal is to keep the business within the family, you'll need to consider how much control you wish to retain (and for how long), whether you wish to gift or sell, how you balance your estate among your heirs, and who can reasonably succeed you in running the business.

Many succession planning techniques are available, including an outright sale to a third party, a sale to your employees or management (at once or over time), or the transfer of your business within your family through sales or gifts during your life, at your death or any combination thereof.

Many succession plans include a buy-sell agreement. Upon your death, such an agreement could allow a business partner or a key employee to buy the business from your surviving spouse or whoever inherits your business interests.

To provide the funds needed for the partner or employee (or even one of your children) to purchase the business, an insurance policy could be purchased.

Your estate plan — including your will and any living trust — should address what happens with the business, in case you still own part or all of it at your death.

The best-laid succession plans may go awry if the unexpected occurs.

All these business succession options can be complex, so before choosing any of them, you will need to consult with your legal and financial advisers.

Whether it's selecting a retirement plan or a succession strategy, you'll want to take your time and make the choices appropriate for your individual situation.

You work extremely hard to run your business — so do whatever it takes to help maximize your benefits from it.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: SHANKLIN: Retirement, succession plans are 'must haves' for business owners

The adult coloring book craze that started at the beginning of 2015 shows no sign of slowing down.  Titles such as “Lost Ocean,” “Secret Garden” and “Enchanted Forest” are selling well.

Coloring can be therapeutic, and creating beautiful art is a soothing, stress-relieving activity. Even amateur artists can create something exquisite, as no drawing skills are required.

The Crestview Public Library recently added “Color Therapy: An Anti-Stress Coloring Book” to the collection. Teens and adults can check it out and color a page as a community art project. You may also sign and date your work if you wish.

Many stunning illustrations will lift your mood and focus your mind as you color your piece of art! 

Sandra Dreaden is the Crestview Public Library's reference librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DREADEN: Check out a Crestview library book you can color in