Where does the time go? It seems like yesterday that I was rejoicing in my favorite months of the year…the ‘Ber’ months and now they are all completed but one. September was our annual Maine Holiday and then October brought my 66th birthday November Aaron’s 42nd birthday and then Thanksgiving. Christmastime has arrived…

I just finished another fascinating Stephen King novel entitled Holly. Two of its main characters were retired professors and I identified with them as during my career I was friends with many professors and developed a bit of a feel for the academic community. I also am retired and in my golden years. Rather than reveal the premise of the book away although it is revealed soon into the reading…it caused me to think of the old adage…what goes on behind closed doors…

We blue-collar folks and those of us who have experienced the other side of the tracks…have a bit of a hero worship for the elite of our society. As I heard an acolyte of a former President say, ‘He is the leader and so he gets to do whatever he wants.’ We are certain that our betters know what is best for us. Or as a good friend told MJ many years ago they really did not want to chart their own path and enjoyed a leader doing their thinking for them.

The irony of our society having more information at our fingertips and less understanding of facts is compelling. We all have been provided our megaphone and work daily to see who can speak the loudest.

MJ and I saw the most spirit-lifting short Christmas Special, Hannah Waddingham’s Home For Christmas on Apple TV+. I look for an event or if I am lucky two that renew the Spirit of Christmas in my heart…this show has done the trick and then some. Hannah’s wonderful voice and the passion with which she sings are inspirational!

O Little Town of Bethlehem calls us to see each other as brothers and sisters on the same journey. The Star in the east is leading us to where the baby lay in a manger with no crib for a bed. The story of Christmas is the story of the equality of humankind. None better than others nor none less than their neighbors.

Few will remember what we knew how much money we had or how fine our home and car were…they will remember how we made them feel…

Our smile is long remembered when given with love to our fellow man and woman and when we offer our heartfelt smile to those who receive few…it is indelible in their memory.

When we leave…our smile will remain…