[One of our Christmas traditions, and I mentioned it in the thread about Christmas movies, is “Donovan’s Reef.” It certainly is the typical John Wayne-John Ford ensemble buddy flick, but this story arc starts Dec 7 and ends on Christmas Day, with the usual raucous fights and bluster in between. Wayne, Lee Marvin and a host of other familiar faces ham it up outrageously, but warm hearts shine through the entire thing (It was also Wayne and Ford’s last movie together.). The Christmas Eve chapel scene is precious, even with Dorothy Lamour’s ear-melting rendition of “Silent Night.” As Wiki says, “Everyone attends a Christmas Mass in the church with a leaking roof, for which the congregation has no money for repairs. The priest uses any donated money to help the poor. In the middle of the service, a thunderstorm starts, so most of the audience – knowing of the roof’s condition – open umbrellas.” And they keep singing. It’s all about love, faith, family, peace on earth, and your fellow man. God bless you all, my friends, and may your Christmas be merry and EVER so bright. ~ Beege]