One week away. Soon we will light the last Advent Candle. Our minds are settled as we wait for the big day. The weather is lush. The air is spring-like. There are whispers and knowing nods regarding the brilliantly wrapped gifts under the Christmas Tree. A glimpse of Santa was caught at the Christmas Dinner in the Woods. Mr Badger and Mr Mole hosted a feast for those who could not go home for the Christmas holidays. The poor of the land came by engraved invitation. They talked profusely, having been lonely for some time. Santa and Mrs Claus brought warm coats mittens, neck scarves, and winter boots. Leather Outback Hats for the men and boys, and Christmas hats for the women and girls. Hope lit up the eyes of the party attendees. There was a change afoot. Things would be different for them in the New Year. Badger and Moley had built them little houses in the Woods. The little houses were warm as toast. The refrigerators were stocked with food, and the pantries were overflowing.

‘This Christmas will be special as we help the hopeless,’ Jane said. ‘No longer will the poor have to pretend not to be homeless and just rest in the rest areas around town,’ Jane advised. ‘Tommy L is coming to Christmas Dinner as well as Rosie and Abigail,’ Jane said with a smile. ‘They will sit proudly at Neva Js Christmas Table,’ Jane proclaimed. ‘There will be roast goose and Figgy Pudding along with sausages and meat pies,’ Jane laughed. ‘No one shall be reticient or ashamed of their financial condition, all will be the same and honored guests,’ Jane noted.

‘Rosie, will you say the blessing?’ Neva J asked? ‘

‘Today you are a Baby in a manger,’ Rosie said. ‘I did not believe in you until Neva J showed me your love,’ Rosie continued. ‘I used to be so lonely that I talked with myself. Now I have many friends to talk with,’ Rosie said. ‘I was embarrassed by my poor clothing and the little house I lived in,’ Rosie continued. ‘Today I am rich with love from many, with Neva J being the saviour of my loneliness,’ Rosie said with a laugh and a wink. ‘I am accepted and no longer am I afraid,’ Rosie said softly.

‘Tommy L, will you join me in a game of pool on my miniature pool table in my bedroom?’ Billy B asked. ‘Since I saw the movie based on Minnesota Fats, I have been fascinated by pool,’ Billy B. continued. ‘I heard from Jimmy A that you play a mean game of pool…a hustler,’ Billy B noted. ‘I also understand that you play the tenor saxophone, which is what I play, and I am sure you know of Boots Randolph, so we shall have a Christmas Jam Session,’ Billy B danced on one foot and then the other. ‘Yakety Sax is my favorite Boots Randolph song,’ Billy B said with aplomb.

‘Today is a day of firsts,’ Abagail said with tears in her eyes. ‘My husband and I were famous on the Vaudeville Circuit and well known in New York City,’ Abagail noted. ‘We performed before Presidents and Potentates with ease and delight,’ Abagail continued. ‘A terrible car wreck took my husband’s life and my right eye,’ Abaibgail noted. ‘I was emotionally distraught and retreated to Eldorado, my hometown,’ Abagail noted. ‘The kids and some adults called me One Eye and made fun of me as I limped along the little streets of the Southern Illinois town,’ Abagail said. ‘Neva J is my friend and sees not the hole where my eye used to be nor my poor garments,’ Abagail noted. ‘I am a queen in her home, and she is an angel to me,’ Abagail proclaimed.

‘Rob Reiner spent numerous hours in our homes,’ Chet said. ‘He brought joy to us and thoughtful ideas for our understanding. He was a mensch. He helped those he met. A good heart and a good man,’ Chet continued. ‘We laughed with him, we understood his humanity. Kindness begets kindness love begets love understanding begets understanding. May his memory be blessed,’ Chet said.