The warp in their bodies comes from herding crowds in area parades, ringing bells at kettles, wrapping toys for youngsters, riding motorcycles, decorating floats, singing carols to shut-ins. They have lifted harps and bass fiddles onto stages, pushed ladders around giant rooms to hang decorations and thus created sore muscles along with lovely décor. Some have bandages covering staple wounds and pounded fingernails.

These are the scores of volunteers in local arts, cultural and religious organizations, the chambers of commerce and tourism folks -- and yes the reporters and camera operators -- who bring you the sights and sounds of the holidays. They've worked months, sometimes beginning in January, planning that special new look for the stage, the temple, the church steps this holiday season.

They deck the halls, polish the menorah, build the sets and plan the parades. They form the choruses, and pack boxes and bags to bring Christmas dinners to the less fortunate and shut-ins. They hook up the cords and welcome visitors to the Holiday Lights.

They read stories to the youngsters telling them of their spiritual heritage. They answer phones and fill out forms. They train the wee singers and dancers. The stressful looks all happen before the events, with the worry the show might not go as planned. The smiles come later as they see the rest of us enjoying the fruits of their labors. These are the merry makers, the memory creators and the ones who make our seasons bright.

Happy birthday Tuesday to Becky Sewell, Alexis Neff, Sandra Miller, Claudia June Mundine, Joshua Marr, Cyndy Hancock, Madison Williams, Jessica Evans and Linda Gail Anderson, all of Denison; Judy Hightower, Casey McKinney Sr., Myrna Owens, Patricia Mask, Shonkista Stephens, and sisters, Brentney Langham, Avery Langham and Kiara Chapman, all of Sherman; Bradley Johnson of Bells; Sandra Higgins Medley of Garland; Audrey Showalter of Pottsboro; Dara Arrington of Gunter; Robert Lacy of Luella; Holly Taylor of Houston; and O.C. Merriman.

Happy anniversary Tuesday to Charles and Paula Vick of Pampa, 60 years; Robert and Jhordoc Lewis of Sherman, 8 years.