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It is so hard to believe that this year is almost over. Where has the time gone? At any rate, it is time to celebrate the holidays and ring in 2008.

We are going to take a break at WRUF; our last "Sportscene" show will be this Friday, December 21 and we will come back with new shows on December 31. It is my sincerest hope that you have a Merry Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) and a safe and propserous 2008.

Personally, I am looking forward to some time off to spend with my family. My Mom is coming down this year to spend the holidays with us so I am extra excited about that.

This is my favorite time of the year; it always has been; people seem nicer, thoughts are generally more positive, and those who have more than others tend to want to help out the less fortunate, and that's always a good thing.

As 2007 ends, one realizes there has been a great deal to celebrate in sports over the last year; a national title in football and basketball for the Gators, a Heisman Trophy for sophomore quarterback Tim Tebow; a renaissance in the career of quarterback Brett Favre and much, much more.

Of course, there were events in sports in 2007 that make one shake the head and wonder why it happens; the Michael Vick saga, the Mitchell Report in baseball, and the tragic shooting of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor. As great as sports is, nothing is more precious than a human life...or the life of an animal in Vick's sorry case. It puts things in perspective.

With all of its good points and bad, sports still drives my engines, makes me love going to work every day, and makes me appreciate how lucky I am to be doing what I do for a living. I am so fortunate that sports is a part of my life. From when I was a little kid I dreamed of becoming a sportscaster or a ball player and that dream has come true. I am thankful every day that my job is my passion.

I look forward to a great sports year in 2008, but for now, here's hoping that you and your family have a wonderful holiday, and I trust you also understand how much it means to me for all of you to read this column or to listen and/or call in to our "Sportscene" show. I love my job and I love talking sports with you.

We may not always agree, but you are NEVER taken for granted. How boring would it be to do a sports talk show and just have to hear a host yap on for a couple of hours? Thanks for not making me do that!!

Merry Christmas to all of you! And to all, a good sports night!

By: Steve Russell