As I walked through Kroger Market this morning on the Sunday before New Year I noticed the fading gleam in the eyes of the shoppers. Last Sunday had been Christmas Sunday. Santa had not come yet. Advent was still underway. The gifts were wrapped neatly under the Christmas Tree. Today brought the knowledge that the Christmas Tree comes down tomorrow. Santa Claus in various derivations goes back into the closet. I found the last two Peppermint Creamers…leftovers from Christmas and snatched them greedily. But the thrill was gone…

As I approached the checkout person they greeted me with a happy you came in and introduced me to the person doing the bagging. How nice I thought. Proceeding to the door another Kroger person invited me to take a Poinsetta for Free by the exit. Suddenly Christmas was alive! It is time to think of next year. It will be grandeur…better…the best!

‘Jimmy…come look at your Christmas presents,’ Little Peanut said. ‘We have Turkey and Dressing,’ LP said with joy. ‘Mama told me she saw you through her binoculars as you walked over the hill,’ LP laughed.

‘You know I feel strong…better than I have in years,’ Jimmy said with a big grin… ‘The last few days have been tough but now seem like distant memories,’ Jimmy noted. ‘Remember we start building New Year’s Day,’ LP winked.

‘Everything everywhere all at once,’ LP said. ‘All seems the same yet strangely different…as if in Technicolor with no Tears,’ LP said…