Not sure which Christmas it was, but I do remember that I was very young when my father bought me a microscope for Christmas. It was anything but a quality instrument, but it sparked an interest in science that has grown and flourished with each passing day of my life. After all these years, my love of nature and scinece is now at the center of my spiritual beliefs. From those early beginnings with my beginners microscope, my intersts have exploded to include a passion for all things optical. The lesson to all parents is to plant a seed this holiday season. The gift of a microscope, telescope, binocular or spotting scope can ignite an interest that will last a lifetime. That is the greatest gift you can give a child next to love. Happy Holidays!