This season is about many things.

In those moments when I'm alone and not watching football, I've thought a lot lately about what the season is really about.

Shopping for Christmas cards, the one I chose says simply, "believe."

Because I do.

I believe that I am blessed beyond measure - and that's what I want for all of us.

I believe in the basic goodness of most of us, and I believe that overriding goodness continues to make this a blessed place.

An entertainment reporter on TV the other night presented her top 10 favorite Christmas movies. While I wouldn't have put her No. 1, the original "Home Alone," as my No. 1, I did agree with her that "Miracle on 34th Street," definitely belongs on the list.

Of course, my No. 1 Christmas movie is "Prancer," mostly because of Sam Elliott. Few know the movie as well as the other "classic" Christmas films, but those who do not know it do not know what they are missing.

Both of my children will be with us on Christmas Eve, and as Skinny Son approaches 24, that makes me exceedingly happy. I absolutely know that he won't be home for Christmas forever, and I'm really happy that he'll be with us tomorrow night.

That said, Skinny Son, Mouse and the friend have each taken pains to tell me individually that if I insist on watching "Prancer" on Monday between the dessert and the eggnog, I'll be watching alone. Not so fast. The darling dog might attend, but he'd probably sleep through most of it.

Just as I prefer "Prancer," to the more well-known films, I prefer "Olive the Other Reindeer," to the myriad other Christmas books. She's just too darned cute to ignore.

About the other beliefs, those occasionally mistakenly thought to be reserved for the younger among us, there is absolutely no question.

There is magic in the air this time of year, and it has nothing to do with stress.

There have been elf helpers in every mall and in many parades all month long, each watching to be sure that we are extra nice to our brothers and sisters and parents and children - and bosses. And that we brush our teeth and clean our rooms and not turn grumpy when our to-do list is longer than our finished list.

Those elf helpers report directly back to the big guy, who as you read this, is taking his final snooze before the big night.

This is way more scientific than I normally reference, but I've read that with all of the time zones around the world, he and his hoof-powered sleigh have 31 hours to get around the world.

That's good, because there are little kids and big kids all over who believe he is coming.

And about that, there is absolutely no question.

Here's wishing you enough room in your refrigerator, enough wine in your bottle, and enough energy to enjoy the week.

Community News editor Sally Ann Shurmur can be reached at (307) 266-0520; sallyann.shurmur@trib.com and see her profile and blog at my.trib.com/Sal/blog