Today I thought about a mistake I made as a stupid young man (yes, that's redundant).

One year, as first assistant manager of the McDonald's in my hometown of Chippewa Falls, I awaited my Christmas bonus. It's mid-eighties or so.

I was given a check for $50 -- nothing to be ashamed of at the time.

But I had thought it would be more and so was disappointed. I asked my boss what I should do and he  suggested I call the regional manager. I did and explained my position and felt better for at least stating my case.

The next day, my boss told me the regional guy had talked to the owner -- an old retired Marine who owned six McDonald's passed on this message: If I give a guy a tie as a present and he doesn't like the tie, I'm unlikely to give him another tie.

Lesson learned.

For 35 years now, I've been grateful for everything anyone who's offered me a gift.

There's my Hallmark Channel message for Christmas.

Peace and gratefulness unto all of you my brothers and sisters.