The Holiday season has always been one of my favorite times of the year.

It seems that Christmas brings out the best in all of us.

The Bible tells us "it is more blessed to give than to receive."

One only has to practice this principle to know that it is true.

There is a great deal of self-satisfaction in giving, especially if you give to those who are in need or to someone who really appreciates your gift.

Many of us feel that we do not possess that many worldly goods, but if you have ever traveled overseas to an underprivileged country, you will come back feeling "rich," no matter how little or how much you have.

I could not help but observe that the Christmas lights and decorations seemed to be in place much earlier this year than I can ever remember.

Two weeks before Thanksgiving I was already seeing cities completely decorated and some Christmas trees showing through the windows of peoples homes.

I am not certain what this says, if anything, but it sure is nice for people to be in the Christmas spirit after all we have been through both domestically and internationally during the past twelve months.

Speaking of towns being decorated, last week I went to the small community of Elmore, located in Elmore County, where it seemed the entire town turned out to turn on the Christmas lights.

Mayor and Mrs. Mark Carter spearheaded a wonderful program that featured music, food and some of the most beautiful lighted trees you have ever seen.

This past Saturday I went to Legion Field in Birmingham where the Luverne Tigers played Randolph County High School for the State 2A Championship.

It was very cold but a huge contingent of Luverne Tiger supporters braved the weather and almost cheered their team to victory.

Coach Mike Dubose, principal Earl Franks and all those associated with the athletic program are to be congratulated for an outstanding season and for getting in the finals of the state playoffs.

Our senate district is blessed with some outstanding football programs.

The counties which I represent in the State Senate had no less than seven teams in the state playoffs.

It takes a lot of hard work and good effort to achieve this level of success, and these achievements should be good building blocks for the 2004 season.

The State Christmas Tree, which was lit by Governor and Mrs. Bob Riley last weekend, was furnished by a constituent in our senate district, Check Stephens, of Autauga County.

Check is a big Auburn fan who has a tree farm in the western part of the county and is recognized as one of the outstanding tree growers in the country.

You have my best wishes for a happy holiday season and a very good and healthy year in 2004.

And remember, "I'll go with you or I'll go for you" to help you solve any problem related to state government.

Senator Wendell Mitchell can

be reached at 334-242-7883, or by writing

to P.O. Box 225, Luverne, AL 36049.