At times, the Christmas Spirit overwhelms the Old Man. Christmas classical music does it most days. The Old Man thinks back to Laughing Santa and the big Christmas Tree in Chicago. Neva J was smiling sweetly. She was dressed in 1960s holiday regalia. Neva J was a lovely lady. She wore slacks like Laura Petrie on the Dick Van Dyke television show. The Old Man saw similarities with his suburban life in Chicago. Rob was the head writer for the Allen Brady Show. He was good-humored and witty. Their lives were upper-middle-class and fun. They had a little boy named Richie. Sally and Buddy were Rob’s writing colleagues. Their writing vocation appealed to the Old Man as a lad of the 60s. Laura Petrie and Neva J looked alike to the Old Man.

The early 1960s were hopeful. Danny and Pauly lived down the street, and Steve and Susie lived up the street. Steve had marionettes. They fascinated the Old Man. The possibilities of Steve’s Marionette Show were endless. The Old Man had a crush on Susie. She hugged him every time she saw him. Susie was a bit older. Ivy was Neva J’s best friend. She smoked Camel Cigarettes one after the other. Ivy cussed like a sailor and loved Neva J. Her husband Bob was as quiet as Ivy was talkative. Ivy expounded on the state of the world and her admiration for President Kennedy. Her voice was deep and raspy and loving for her friends, including the Old Man. Ivy did not suffer fools gladly. She ruled the roost and loved her family.

Laughing Santa was a delight. He had a crank on his back when turned, which produced the most unique laugh. He was Christmas to the Old Man. Laughing Santa was an eternal optimist. His smile never wavered. He laughed uproariously at the problems of the moment. The Old Man wanted to be like Laughing Santa.

So it goes, one day Neva J and Ivy proposed that we make a trek into the heart of Chicago to see Lady And The Tramp at the theatre. The Old Man was excited. He had a bit of a crush on Lady as well as Susie. The Christmas Lights were brilliant. The Christmas hustle and bustle of the City was overwhelming. Susie was holding the Old Man’s hand as they navigated the jovial holiday shoppers and moviegoers. There Lady and Tramp were, along with Jock and Trusty. The world of Lady and Tramp and Neva J and Laurie Petrie meshed perfectly. The theatre was full of happy Christmas revelers. Susie held the Old Man’s hand and Lady in her home with the Darlings and the Siamese Cats were looking down from the silver screen. A perfect home life of domestic bliss and holiday hope.

Today is an extension of the hope of the Old Man’s youth. The nirvana of Christmas and the hope that it brings. When it comes to Christmas, we are all children at heart. We wonder what is in the brightly wrapped gift. Who is thinking of us at the time of the celebration of the Christ Child? Who will we hold the candle aloft beside as we sing Silent Night?