We had a lovely Christmas with Ron, Ira Kaye, Tara, Mike, Paige, and Tyler. My spirit is always uplifted by the inherent joy they bring to any gathering. Although we live a bit apart we had the good fortune of seeing each other twice in less than a week and were the better for it. It was a rainy and warm Christmas. 

Individualism is a positive character trait that is too often ignored or misunderstood. I vividly recall my friend Jo Ann telling me years ago that she appreciated my support and I responded that if I did not believe in her and what she was attempting to do I would not support her. She answered that was why she valued my efforts. We seek those who will agree with us or will at least not rock the boat. Those who keep their own counsel are the canaries in the coal mine and warn us of danger ahead.

Whether… it be at work church or any social organization the dissenters should be valued. The courage to not be bullied or influenced to go the way of the Lead Lemming should be held with some esteem. Heaven help us if we do not develop some critical thinking in our politics. 2024 will demand our best efforts. Fealty to what the group thinks will not extricate us from serious issues that face us. 

Christ has come to us. We are feeling the peace of the Season. We are certain that we must change and that we can be better. We know that doing the same thing over and over gives us the same results that do not work…and that is a model that diminishes us. Jesus was truly his own thinker and worried not what the group-think was. He brought a radical faith that went against many of the recognized religions of the day. Jesus rocked the boat…and we are all the better for it.

Why is it all right for homelessness and hunger to be rampant in the richest country in the world?

Why does killing bring peace?

Why is Christ’s message and the movement grown from that message used by many as a massive cudgel to beat those who do not submissively follow into bloodied submission?

‘I did not realize that when you said that you would have liked to have been there for Jesus’ birth, you were serious and had a means of conveyance,’ Chet said.

‘Well it is all a bit mysterious to me as well as when St. Nicholas came up to me at St. Charles and asked me if I would like to take a special trip,’ Billy B answered.

‘We walked into our favorite restaurant and exited through the back door and thus we are here in Bethlehem,’ Neva J said with wonder in her eyes. ’There are the wise men and the shepherds and it feels like earth-shaking is happening,’ Jane exclaimed!

‘Even the animals of the barn are mesmerized and it appears that they are crying for joy,’ said Chet. 

‘This is the promised one that we have been waiting for,’ a shepherd said. ’He is the peacemaker and will turn us from our warring ways,’ he continued. 

‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill toward men,’ the angels sang.

‘We have forgotten too much…Christmas began here and the message is profound in its simplicity’ Neva J said with tears in her eyes. ’We have made being a Christian something to fight about and as a cudgel against those who do not share our feelings,’ she continued.

‘Jesus came into our world in lowly circumstances…look at him and his mother and Joseph…they have nothing and yet they have everything,’ Chet said in a somber voice.

‘Now you must go back and tell others what you have seen,’ said the angel who morphed into St. Nicholas…

‘Are you getting the Reuben Sandwich Billy B,’ Jane asked….

‘Is the Holiday Coffee Cake ready for sampling yet,’ Billy B asked?

‘There is a little off to the side but the lion’s share must go with us Monday for Christmas at Grandma A’s…I am also cooking my famous Roast Beast for the big day,’ Neva J answered.

‘Is it true that we are really going to travel by horse-drawn carriage this year,’ Jane asked with a gleeful grin as wide as the Cheshire Cat of Alice In Wonderland?

‘Yes and we will have red and green blankets to cover our laps with Christmas Bells on the horse’s bridles,’ Chet said.’ ’The only item we need to have the perfect Christmas trip is snow,’ he continued with a holiday wink.

‘Ho…Ho…Ho…Santa proclaimed as he helped each of the holiday revelers into the carriage. ’This will be a Magical Christmas like no other…,’ Santa continued in an especially Merry Mood…

‘Tommy L is sitting by the Orpheum Theatre…He looks a bit forlorn…Tommy L join us for our Magical Christmas Ride,’ Santa called out! 

‘I can not believe my good fortune…it is a Christmas miracle…I customarily spend Christmas alone and have a hamburger for dinner and since it is Christmas I order french fries with it,’ Tommy L said. 

‘Don’t forget Rosie…she will meet us at the Dairy Queen…she was going to spend Christmas alone and I told her not this year,’ Neva J laughed.’

‘I usually spend Christmas listening to Christmas songs on my phonograph…I often feel so lonely…but today I feel like a queen,’ Rosie exulted! 

Standing along Locust Street were Bessie and Jim waving at Santa driving the brilliant horse-drawn carriage with the merry jingle of the bells and the laughter ensuing from the group in the holiday conveyance and drinking hot chocolate. 

‘Look…they have no coats and their shoes have large holes in them,’ Chet said sadly. 

‘Climb aboard Bessie and Jim and look in the bag in the back of the carriage as I have a warm coat for each of you and some dapper new shoes as well, Santa bellowed with a majestic laugh!

‘Climb out and help Mary in the carriage and place her wheelchair in the back,’ Santa said with a wink and a draw of his pipe as the smoke circled his head like a wreath…

‘Oh little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie. Above the deep and dreamless sleep…the silent stars go by. Yet in thy, dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.’ the Victorian Carloers sang. 

Snow began to fall…

Temperature in the 50s on the first day of winter. Walking was lovely in the GC Woods with the thoughts of Christmas swirling in my head. The shortest day of the year is here and now they begin getting a bit longer each day. 

Winter brings the sleep of nature. The residents of the woods have settled in for a long Winter’s nap. But not before Santa Claus makes his prescribed journey on Christmas Eve. I know the elves must be loading his sleigh at the writing of this treatise. Santa is the hope and dreams of millions of girls, boys, moms, and dads. The world is hurting with strife and war and the visions of political calamity…then there is Santa and his mission of goodwill, hope, and peace. 

You know…there was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer who was shunned by others due to his prominent proboscis. It glowed a brilliant red… Rudolph stood out in the crowd for his brilliant nose. Some thought him afflicted…but God made him special to help Santa see through the blizzard… 

And so it goes Kurt Vonnegut told us. We all have a part to play in The Stage of Life. Tears come to my eyes when I watch the precious children in the Shriner’s commercials. Their upbeat attitude sweet smiles and melodious voices cause me to think that in the next life, they will be our leaders and not the caustic self-serving elected politicians we are afflicted with.

‘The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them.’ Isaiah 11:6.

The time of Christmas draws nigh. I receive countless emails informing me with bold letters that this is the last day to purchase that special Christmas gift and ensure its arrival by Christmas Day… We scurry about with the joys and stresses of the season but in our really good health and make true our commitment to our love for the holiday and the Baby for whom it is named. 

Have you ever been sick? What a loaded question as all of us have. One Christmas many years ago I became suddenly so ill that MJ Aaron and Jonathon went to Grandmother’s House without me. My niece called me and said how they had missed me. It made such an impression on me that I remember it over 30 years later.

I have been with loved ones who were very ill at Christmas. Not only are they worried…but all of their family and friends are as well. Christmas is a light of joy in the darkness. It is a candle raging against the dark…

As we become older we become less adventurous and less mobile. My Aunt Vema and Uncle Ed always left our Christmas dinner at Neva J’s early to get home at Stonefort before it became dark and it did so at 5:00 P:M:. I used to ponder their assertion that they did not like to drive in the dark…and now I do not either. 

Life’s Chapters blow by as if in a stiff wind. First, we are young and feel certain that it will always be such. Then we work around the clock to provide for our family and to get ahead and become involved in many controversies that have little meaning when gazed at through the rearview mirror. 

Often the questions of life seem to require immediate answers. Christmas settles us a bit. Our journey is ongoing on Christmas Day…but it is different because of the light…

‘Lady And The Tramp is on in the City,’ Neva J said. 

‘We must go and take Danny and Pauly and Steve and my girlfriend Susie,’ Billy B said triumphantly!

‘I will go with you guys and make a day of it,’ Ivy said gleefully. ‘We have a little Cocker Spaniel that looks just like Lady…and your dog is the spitting image of Tramp, she continued. 

Chicago was festooned with magnificent Christmas decorations. The Theatre Marquee was ablaze with the lights of the holidays and the auditorium was full to capacity. Chicago was an etheral magical world. 

‘I feel that I am a part of the movie and that I am a member of the Darling family,’ said Billy B with sleepy eyes. ’I am a bit in love with Lady…,’ he said as he fell asleep.

‘Look, Lady…Billy B Darling has fallen asleep in the Theatre,’ Tramp said. ’He looks so happy…why he and Neva J and his friends are watching us on the big screen…I hope the Siamese Cats do not find him or they will work their mischief,’ he continued with a downcast air.

‘He is such a sweety…I wonder if he likes pasta,’ Lady asked? 

‘Wake up Billy B…Lady has had her puppies and they are spectacular,’ Neva J said as Ivy looked on with a broad smile…

Today is brilliant with the hope of Christmas. The Sun is shining and a Yueltide wind is blowing. The children are anxious and so is Mylo as he regularly visits the walk-in closet to look up at the bag of his Christmas gifts that are on the shelf and then he barks several times as he protests that he must wait a bit longer. 

It is the little things that make the difference and the older I become I realize that life comprises the little things. At church yesterday my friend Rob complimented my writing and it made my day. His kind words reminded me of the scripture that, ‘A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.’ 

‘I wrote my old friend Steve the other day that it was about time for he and I to load up in his vintage Chrysler and travel to Eldorado for Christmas with Neva J. When you entered Neva J and Earl’s home you were immediately struck with how warm it was both with love and the coal stove that was adjacent to the kitchen. I vividly recall purchasing on the installment plan a lovely picture that Down’s Furniture Store had on display. In my understanding, it represented fine art. Neva J was ecstatic with her present. 

Garland is a joyous Christmas decoration that Pastor Kerry spoke of Sunday morning. At one time folks placed lit candles on their Christmas tree. Or…bubble lights… 

Nativity Scenes bring a special peace to the Christmas ambiance. We wait for the Christ Child and the unity of humanity that he brings. Weary we are from all of the abusive words and fighting about political expediency and hidden agendas that benefit the speaker of the rhetoric and have little efficacious blessing for the listener. 

Christmas is simple although we make it complex. Peace on Earth…Goodwill Toward Men… Neva J had a warm coal stove and a little Christmas Tree. She worked hard to create a lovely Christmas Dinner with Roast Beast and her Holiday Coffee Cake. The aunts were there with divinity and fudge and cigarettes for Aunt Vema. Neva J’s cats were in their Holiday splendor and awaiting their special holiday feast. 

Hopes were high because we were all together… Joy abounded as we looked to the future that was bright and full of mystery and promise. Each of us had jumped hurdles of challenge over the year and the challenge awaited us in the New Year…but we had each other and we knew that we would persevere as long as love was our lighthouse. 

Wars and rumors of war were always in our peripheral vision. The children show us the way. This Christmas let’s all be like we were when we were children. None of us have been here so long.  This is the first Christmas of the rest of our lives…

‘It is almost time to leave for the Party,’ Billy B said.

‘Each year I am surprised to be asked again, Jane said.’ ’I always feel like a duck out of water,’ she added. 

‘I wonder if we are the token non-academic guests,’ Chet mused. ’Each year I have to reintroduce myself to each professor and more often than not they assure me that the work I perform for the university is essential,’ he said as he grinned a Cheshire Cat grin.

‘If it was not for our affection for the hosts we probably would politely decline…but they seem to enjoy our presence. Then there is the going back midweek before Christmas for a lovely gift exchange and some wonderful holiday fellowship around the Christmas Tree,’ Billy B reflected. ’If we are the token non-academic our friends do not reveal that peculiar feeling we assimilate from their other guests. ’Indeed they seem like family, Billy B proclaimed. 

‘Often folks have asked me if you are a professor,’ Chet told Billy B. ’Certainly your dedication to JA has proven your fidelity to her,’ he said.

‘Well the confidence that she exhibited in me when she was the leader was compelling and I felt like we had met before…the first time that I met her,’ Billy B asserted. ’Her dedication to the blue-collar staff or our University was unparalleled…she would walk out into the middle of a grassy field to greet a grounds worker, he said with a tear in his eye. 

‘My goodness the Christmas Pary Drinks are especially strong this year…I thought that I saw Santa in the dining room among all of the Waterford Santas,’ Jane said. ’He asked me if I had a special wish for this Christmas and I told him that if he would roll back time and allow JA to have never been affiliated with our School…and all of the grief and suffering that both she and we suffered…would never have happened,’ Jane continued.

‘So…President A. how would you address the racial strife that is permeating our university campuses? ’What would you do at Harvard to address the anti-semitism resulting from the war in Gaza, the representative asked in a blunt manner.

‘I believe that our universities including Harvard must be a house for all peoples…threatening speech is always unacceptable, JA said in the hearing at the United States House of Representatives. 

Behind JA was Billy B listening intently to her every word and periodically whispering in her ear. 

Billy B and JA had agreed many years ago that they both believed in Santa Claus…

When I was a wee lad and engaging in one of my favorite pastimes of watching movies at the only theatre in Eldorado I knew that the movie had concluded when the words The End appeared. Of course, that simply meant the movie had concluded for that run of it and I had time to make a restroom visit and a visit to the concessions stand before the movie of the day began again and I would sit and enjoy it anew.  

Nature is a bit like the movies at the Orpheum. The leaves have changed color and then gone brown and fallen to the ground. The Woods are dormant and dark and deep and the bare limbs stretch their naked arms towards the sky. A cold rain is falling today and the Christmas Wreaths are getting wet. Many of the Christmas lights are ablaze as the grey skies have beckoned them to shine. Christmas shoppers are out because time is drawing nigh for the celebration. The Manger scenes have dead leaves among their living images. 

Has The End occurred we say. Is all death and quiet and stillness? The Christ Child gives us hope for tomorrow. The movie may have concluded…but it begins again soon…

‘Weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning.’ 

Could it be that The End…Is The Beginning…

‘There is a Christmas Suprise in your future,’ Neva J said with a wicked grin. 

‘I have been shaking the Christmas presents and I think that I know what is in each of them,’ Billy B answered. ’I asked for a Big Swinger Polaroid Camera and the present is the right size for the request…I measured,’ Billy B responded with the certainty of an accountant. 

‘I have requested from Santa a Daniel Boone action figure…no GI Joe for me when Daniel Boone is available,’ Chet laughed. ’Mom said that Santa will be visiting the Orpheum Theatre this afternoon and I think that we must go and solidify our requests,’ Neva J said as she winked.

‘Have you ever wondered what a task it is for Santa to visit every house on Christmas Eve…and eat the cookies and drink the milk,’ Chet asked? 

‘That is the most realistic Santa that I have ever seen,’ Jane mused as the kids all gathered around him in the lobby of the Orpheum. ’He not only called me by name but asked about my mom and dad and knew their names as well,’ she continued. 

‘What would you like for Christmas Billy B,’ Santa asked.

‘Well, I think that I have a Big Swinger Polaroid Camera already under the tree…that Neve J probably got me…I really would like to be better at Math…it bedevils me, Billy B said. 

‘Ho Ho Ho…I had problems with Math myself when I was a lad,’ Santa beamed. ’Egbert will visit you on Mondays and Fridays to tutor you in the peculiar skill, Santa said with a laugh. ’He is a wiz at Math…and all you will need is some pepperoni for him to munch on to keep him engaged in the lessons,’ he continued. ’When he knocks on your front door do not forget to look down as he is only three feet tall…but a genius who loves pepperoni…and Rye Whiskey…do not forget the Rye Whiskey…if you do not have the Rye…Egbert becomes angry. 

‘Are there any other special requests that Egbert has,’ Billy B asked?

‘He may bring his fiance…Ethel…she is the apple of his eye…she loves a good English Breakfast with all of the fixings including the baked beans and sausages and a pint of Guinness to accompany the meal,’ Santa winked and grinned. 

‘Santa, just ensure that I have my Big Swinger Polaroid Camera and I will take care of the math tutoring,’ Billy B said with a look of relief on his face…