'Tis the season when families gather around their televisions and watch memorable movies such a "Miracle on 34th Street", "It's A Wonderful Life", "A Christmas Story", and even "Elf". Myself... just the other night I enjoyed "Three Godfathers" with John Wayne, Pedro Armendanz, Harry Carey, Jr. and Ward Bond. Yes, it's a Christmas movie. The story takes place during the days leading up to Christmas, and John Wayne is actually captured by Ward Bond in a saloon where everyone is celebrating Christmas. Throughout the movie there are references to Christmas and Bible passages regarding the birth of Christ. I am a big John Wayne fan and this movie along with "Donovan's Reef" starring John Wayne and Lee Marvin are my favorite "Duke-Christmas" movies. It has been three Christmases since we have spent that holiday with any of our children. So Kathy and I will enjoy watching a Christmas movie or two with our youngest son from Louisiana this year. No present can be better than having at least one of our children visit during the holiday. I actually have a list of foods he wants me to cook for him while he is in Silver City. Darn I'm lucky this year.

Speaking of food on Christmas Day, the Chamber of Commerce office has been receiving inquiries about which restaurants will be serving a holiday meal on Christmas Day. So far, only one business has sent me information about being open on Christmas Day.

Burgers & Brownies by Shevek, located at 619 North Bullard in downtown Silver City, brought us a flier describing their Christmas Day hours and the meal. Burgers and Brownies will be open... but wait - they will not be serving burgers and brownies. From noon to 6 p.m. Shevek will be serving glazed baked ham, turkey casserole, cornbread stuffing, home-made turkey gravy, and other items that I'm not certain how to pronounce nor do I know what they are. But given that Shevek is a pretty darn-good cook, I'm certain this is going to be a fantastic Christmas feast. It is suggested that you call for reservations... 575-597-6469. Please tell them you heard about the Christmas meal from the Chamber of Commerce.

Another restaurant I will mention is Kountry Kitchen located at 1700 Mountainview in Silver City. They are doing a little construction to the inside of their restaurant. They have removed a couple of walls, opened up the dining area, and are upgrading their restaurant. It is always nice to see a business invest back into their building to make it more attractive to their customers. Plus, I think they have the best view of Silver City from any restaurant in town.

The shopping center on Silver Heights Boulevard where Sun Valley True Value is located has done the same thing. The stores really look nice with the new fa+