Christmas is viewed through so many different eyes, and each has their own unique perspective on what it means to them. Family heritage, location, age, financial situation all play roles in how the holiday is viewed. I thought it would be fun to ask the citizens of Blaine County, from different towns, of different ages and different family dynamics two questions. The first: All I want for Christmas... finish the sentence. The second, what do the Holidays mean to you?

I was expecting the answers to vary widely and for the younger kids to be more materialistic, but the answers surprised me and I think they will as well to many of our readers. Here are the responses I received.

Colson Turner, Age 7, 2nd Grade, Meadowlark Elementary: All I want for Christmas, "I want the new Super Mario game and I want the whole family together. What does Christmas mean to you? "Everybody together."

Chaska Earthboy, Jr., 8, 3rd Grade, Harlem Elementary: All I want for Christmas, "I would want my old grandma to be alive. She was my grandma's mom, and she was there for me every day. We helped take care of her, too. I miss her." What does the Holiday season mean to you? "Family. They are all so nice!"

Bailey Billmayer, Freshman, Chinook High School: All I want for Christmas, "My whole family to get along and have a good time together." What does the Holiday season mean to you? "Seeing my Family and spending time together."

Kaitlyn Johnson, Junior, Harlem High School: All I want for Christmas, "To be on top of that podium at state wrestling. It's the best feeling being up at the top." What does the Holiday season mean to you? "It's a time to spend quality time with your family and take a break from our busy lives to be joyful."

Nancy Diemert, Owner, Chinook Pharmacy: All I want for Christmas, "For the world to get back to normal it's been so messed up lately." What does the Holiday season mean to you? "Getting together enjoying each other's company."

The Round Table Discussion of Grande Villa Residents: All I want for Christmas? This group included seven residents, none of whom wanted to be identified individually, but as a group they had some thoughts for sure. The back and forth was fun to listen to. 'Nice warm weather' said one while another mentioned, 'Time with my family', prompting the gentleman to her left to say, 'I don't have any so lets not say that.' Good health was a common theme, but the conversation kept bouncing back to warmer weather.

In a more serious tone being healthy and being able to do some of the things they used to be able to do was a big wish. A good meal was another 'want' that gained traction as the conversation went on. The Holidays are important to each of them as they represent a time for family and friends to get together and just see each other and visit. The residents themselves are like family to each other and spending the mornings together and visiting over a cup of coffee is a big deal. Christmas cards, thankfulness and realizing Jesus was born on Christmas Day. Making happy memories and getting to see the kids come by and sing during the holidays is really nice as well.