A powerful wind blew. Cold air was arriving. The trees were bare. The Old Man braced against the chill. He walked with determination and Christmas resolve. The Woods Animals followed with dancing and song. Some sang Silent Night while others hummed Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

There were only two weeks left until Christmas. There were surprise Christmas gifts to buy. Had he forgotten anyone? Christmas held a special place in the Old Man’s heart. His fondest memories centred on Christmas with Neva J, on their days of plenty and days of poverty. First, as a middle-class family in Chicago living on a street and in a home reminiscent of the television show Leave It To Beaver. In the blink of an eye, it reversed to him and Neva J not having enough money for milk. Yet Neva J always found money for a happy Christmas.

Laughing Santa was always there for the Old Man in his youth. He laughed heartily in the good times and the bad. His face was a mischievous grin. There was a Christmas Movie at the Orpheum Theatre, where the Lions provided Christmas Gift Baskets for each child. The Baskets were resplendent and included a Soaky, which contained bubble bath and came in many comical figures such as the Three Stooges.

More money is needed for necessities. Affordability is a real issue, not a scam. Many good people from both political parties will be unable to pay for health insurance in the New Year. ‘Are there no poorhouses?’ Scrooge asked.

The Spirit of Christmas Present is watching. Who is cold and who is safe and warm? The Spirit of Christmas sees all humanity as God’s Children. Mary and Joseph found no room in the Inn. The barn was the birthplace of Christ. The sheep were there and the oxen. They held their heads high, smiling as the Spirit of Christmas was with them in the form of a little Baby in a manger.