Happy Holidays Chicago and the rest of the world that cares about anything remotely American. Even though I'm fairly certain you've probably seen the infamous N64 kid by now, I wanted to bring him back for a brief moment to reflect on not just video games, but the importance of holiday memories in general.

Many of us play video games not because we're nerds (yes, really) and not because we're addicted (I'm not, I swear), but rather because they have a definitive connection to our youth. On this holiday season, regardless of what gaming related goodness you might receive, remember for a moment why you first got into games and why they're still with you to this day.

I was lucky enough to get my first Nintendo for Hanukkah in 1987. My parents had initially gotten me an Atari 2600, which I played for under a month. For those that don't remember, finding an NES during '86 and '87 was like finding a Wii today - damn near impossible. I complained so much for the first three weeks of owning the 2600 that my parents agreed to return it. I guess it would be like getting an Xbox 360 tomorrow when you really want a Wii. Anyways, it wasn't what I really wanted, and Pole Position just couldn't substitute for Super Mario Brothers. I was right on that of course and my parents amazingly obliged.

Not only did my Mom and Dad promptly return the 2600 to Sears, but they were totally cool with helping me track down what I really wanted -- my first Nintendo. The exact details are hazy to this day (it has been over 20 years now) but they did eventually find the NES at Montgomery Wards. Do you guys remember Monkey Wards? Talk about a great department store in the 80's. And, believe it or not, I remember the EXACT counter in the electronics section where I picked out the games with my father to this very day, no lie. I actually had the wherewithal to chose The Legend of Zelda and Ice Hockey to go with the best pack-in game of all time (Super Mario Brothers).

I vividly remember playing that entire Christmas break, and constantly being torn away to eat, sleep and occasionally smile for visiting family members. Without a question, those happy memories are why I'm still a gamer to this day. I can almost recall every single moment of gaming from my childhood and connect them to happy memories with my family. In large part, I'm sure that's why I'm such a hardcore gamer to this day.

So, upon tearing off the wrapping paper that is covering that copy of Mario Galaxy or Call of Duty 4, remember that it's the memories that really count. Just like the N64 kid, the best ones will be with you for a lifetime.