Unexpected Christmas surprises are such a treat…sometimes. My artist neighbor presented me with a hand drawn Christmas Card, hoping to boost my enthusiasm for the upcoming holiday trip to the winter wonderland of Lake Tahoe.

With a new year coming and thoughts of the past still present, it is a good time to make resolutions. Below is a short list of what I recommend to almost all my clients.

C APITAL Highlights Drivers will no longer be required to get annual safety inspections beginning Jan. 1, the Texas Standard reported.

The word calendar is not found in Scripture, but the idea is found all over the place. In Exodus 12 when Israel is given instructions regarding how to observe the Passover it is evident that they understand days and months and the concept of recorded time.

T EXAS History In just their fourth postseason appearance in school history, the Bears of Baylor University squared off against the heavily favored Tennessee Volunteers in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 1957.

C APITAL Highlights Gov. Greg Abbott said last Thursday the state is initiating a billboard campaign across Central America and border cities in northern Mexico to discourage migrants from attempting to enter Texas, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

I saw a photo online the other day of a Christmas tree from 1948. It looked like the tree we had that year. The branches were sparser than we now expect from evergreens, but draped with tinsel icicles, who could tell?

T EXAS History Mortally wounded in a Christmas Eve duel at Gonzales, Virginian Reuben Ross survived the Battle of San Jacinto only to die on Christmas Day 1839. The deadly dispute began two months earlier, when Ross challenged Henry Mc-Culloch, brother of the famous Ben, to a duel on behalf of an offended friend.

There are advantages to having a shortened memory, perhaps not for everyone, but it may be a benefit for those who don’t remember why they went into a room. Afterall, if you fail to remember bad deeds you happily move on with little regard to the damage you left behind.

To the Editor: What a spectacular surprise Christmas present for the citizens of La Grange! Every town has a Christmas tree it seems, but La Grange this year got a bright and shiny Christmas forest that truly dazzles. The lighted trees in the park at the Public Library appeared unexpectedly and launched the Santa season beautifully for everyone who passes by it.