So the Christmas Weekend is coming to a close. Time keeps on marching. Forever can go by quickly. Days seem long and years short. We set our sails for the troubled sea of 2026. It is not our first voyage. Shall we make resolutions, or shall we live with a sense of place each day? Circumstances change, we do not. Many are introverts. Not all people are people persons. We love humanity; it is the individuals who are challenging. Introverts watch people. They love the interaction that they observe. We are a bit reluctant to participate. After holiday revelry, we must recharge. We introverts have to think and ponder what just happened. There are places for everyone in our hearts, one at a time.

‘Be sure and pack the sunburn protectant,’ SC said. ‘I will be glad to see the beach after the drop in temperature at home,’ SC grinned. ‘It was a successful Christmas by all accounts,’ SC continued. ‘There is so much more to do,’ SC sighed. ‘Let’s take the taller beach chairs, as it is increasingly difficult to sit in the ones that are so near the sand,’ SC laughed. ‘We are getting older, MaMa, and I wonder how much longer we will be able to do what we do,’ SC questioned. ‘My knees hurt, and I have to think about rising from my easy chair,’ SC noted with chagrin. ‘Each year, more of my abilities are leaving me, although I reach and grasp to claw them back,’ SC said. ‘I walked the beach for miles past January. Now I walk slowly and take a lot of photos,’ Santa Claus noted with a benevolent smile. ‘Nevertheless, we will eat Gulf shrimp tonight and watch the peaceful ocean,’ Santa said.

So the end-of-year people gathered. They came from the four corners of the Earth. Some had backpacks while others carried no possessions. Many were reluctant to join the journey with so many diverse people whom they did not know. People from other lands and cultures who dressed and looked different from those they grew up around. The Introverts came with quiet and wide eyes. They watched as many gathered on the road home. The Introverts saw that everyone was helping the person next to them. It seemed that no one was left out. It was good to be a member of the Happy Travelers. What a great club to be a part of! The Happy Travelers or HTs were a diverse and gregarious bunch. Quiet people and those who spoke loudly walked hand in hand. Some had clear eyes, others had cataracts walking arm in arm along the rocky, hilly path. Some had stopped along the route. They were tired and sick, weary of the year-by-year walk toward home. Their feelings were bruised. It seemed they had been left out of the mission. ‘I will sit on the sidelines and watch the parade pass,’ the Introvert said. ‘My abilities are meager, and others see my dearth of resources,’ Mr. Introvert said. ‘Many have more ability and education to address the vagaries of the Path,’ Mr. Introvert noted. ‘My strength is watching and learning,’ Mr. Introvert postulated. ‘2026 is at our doorstep, perhaps it is time for all Introverts to come to the aid of their country,’ Mr. Introvert said with conviction. ‘The challenges of the New Year will require the best of all, including the millions of Introverts, to negotiate the Rock Path Home,’ Mr. Introvert said with a tear in his eye.

So Christmas was wonderful with Jennifer and Lee joining us at the Lake. It was a special time. Our eyes fix on the end of the Old Year and the beginning of the New Year. Each year passes more rapidly than the last. The New Year will be a continuation of our uncharted journey. The mystery of not knowing what is around the next corner is exhilarating and challenging. Life is a Through Line with many changes along the path.

We intend to explore New Orleans in the New Year. We have been there before, but it has been several years. The South fascinates me. The kind greetings and being called ‘Honey’ in restaurants are a refreshing addition to the regularity of life. Southern States have a slower pace that affords time to think about the next step.

Learn how to Mosey is good advice. Mosey is what Jennifer says regarding her exploration of the Woods. Mosey, I understand. Everything does not have to be done in the space of a thirty-minute sitcom. Decisions are not all spontaneous. Success is incremental. Indeed, all success is incremental. The hope of 2026 is rooted in a sense of place.

Keep moving is the key. We are on our way home. Put one foot in front of the other. Moving breeds positive thought. Positive thoughts bring hope and a plan for tomorrow.

‘I think there should be New Year’s gifts as there are Christmas gifts,’ Neva J said. ‘After all, the Advent of Christ’s birth is the beginning of our faith journey,’ Neva J continued. ‘He lives among us now. What are we going to do about it?’ Neva J asked. ‘Now is the time for all good people to come to the aid of their country, to paraphrase President Kennedy,’ Neva J proclaimed. ‘So many need a helping hand, warm clothes, and something to eat,’ Neva J noted. ‘Christmas is simply only the Beginning, the job and assignment has just begun,’ Neva J laughed. ‘Perhaps we are tired…get up and move,’ Neva J ordered with feeling. ‘We say not me Lord, I am old…act like you are young and take up your cross and follow the Baby,’ Neva J said with tears in her eyes.

It is going to be a warm Christmas. Perhaps a record breaker. The children are nestled all snug in their beds. We wait for the promise. Since our youth, we were taught to believe. As time and chance bring change, we embrace it for its possibilities.

The Christmas Puzzle is ready to be put together. The one thousand pieces are there in random order. What is our role in life and where do we fit in the puzzle? Listen, we do more than speak. By listening and watching, we begin to see the puzzle pieces take their place. The piece that seems necessary is often the key to the puzzle’s answer.

The Old Man walked in the Christmas Woods. The deer walked with him and asked him if he was coming to the Christmas Eve Service. ‘We will have a feast before Christmas,’ Herman said. ‘Now by a feast I mean we are getting pizzas from Dominos as they are on Christmas Eve sale and we all know there will be some belt loosening Christmas Day,’ Herman Deer continued. ‘There will be homemade fudge and Christmas Coffee Cake, Figgy Pudding and pumpkin pie, ‘Herman Deer added. ‘Mr. Badger and Mr. Mole are coming along with Toady and Ratty, and they are coming by boat with Toady manning the mainsail,’ Herman laughed. ‘Next year shall be better, we will live in more peace, we will listen to our hearts and not our wallets,’ Herman promised.

‘I am going to the Christmas Eve Service, it will be Pastor Kerry’s last as he is retiring,’ Chet noted. ‘It will be a marvelous and poigniant affair with poinsettias and Christmas Trees, garland and Christmas Songs,’ Chet said with a big smile. ‘We will sing Silent Night by candlelight,’ Chet observed. ‘Our hearts will be set in peace and place and purpose for the present and the future,’ Chet said. ‘We are fellow travelers and friends who must help each other make the rest of our journey home,’ Chet explained.

‘I see the Star in the eastern sky,’ Wiseman said. ‘We must follow it to where the Baby lies,’ Wiseman said. ‘He will bring peace where there is strife and hope to replace despair,’ Wiseman said with a tear in his eyes. ‘Truth will replace lies and hurtful, mean words meant to destroy people,’ Wiseman said. ‘The hope of all of us comes under the cover of night with a Star to lead the way to a manger in a barn surrounded by sheep and oxen and shepherds to record the event of the Earth,’ Wiseman observed with a look to the Star that was leading him.

‘Come and get your Christmas Quilt,’ Grandma A said. ‘I worked on it back in the Spring to keep you warm and safe in the New Year,’ Grandmas A continued. ‘I prayed for you and thought of you for the coming cold and ice while you enjoyed warm days of spring,’ Grandma A said. ‘Christ has made preparations for us as we travel up the road of life to our home,’ Grandma A promised.

So MJ and the Old Man got out yesterday and acted like big people. What better time than the Christmas Season to enjoy the city at Christmastime? The Fox Theatre was packed to see The Nutcracker Ballet. Arriving a bit early, we stopped into the Theatre’s Resturant Curtain Call, where the kind bartender told me that her specialty was Old Fashioneds. When I joyfully accepted, she asked did I wanted one bitter or two, and I thought in my holiday revelry why not two. She spoke of Christmas shopping and buying 30 Holiday Candles on sale. The Old Man thought… a wise decision.

The Holiday Air is electric in the City at Christmas. Many had their holiday regalia and sparkled. There were selfies all over the house. Ballet is a lovely art. The dancers seem etheral. Soon, we were in another world of dance and dreams. As I saw the lights of the Fox Marguee and the decorations of the City, I was taken aback to Chicago so many years ago when we saw Lady And The Tramp at the Theatre. When we pulled into the parking garage, the attendant asked me if anyone had told me that I looked like the actor Sean Connery. I told him that he was the first.

We were on to Bartolinos for dinner. After a short wait, we enjoyed the best Sicilian Ravioli I have ever had the pleasure of. The Christmas Mood was jubilant in the famous eatery. MJ observed that everyone seemed to know each other. There was live music, and spirits were at their zenith.

MJ Aaron, Jonathon, and the Old Man saw The Nutcracker at Shryock Auditorium over thirty years ago. The performance yesterday must have had over 50 performers. There were many children in the troupe.
What an uplifting experience. What a great Old Fashioned. I must take my bartender’s invitation to return, and she would make me another.

Winter Solstice has arrived. The shortest day of the year. After this, they become a little longer each day. The darkness is a Christmas Quilt to wrap ourselves in. ‘The stockings have been hung by the chimney with care.’ We anticipate the birth of the Baby. We follow the Star to the manger. For a moment, life stands still. The fears and concerns of day-to-day life stop out of respect for the Christ Child.

The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy swirls about the Theatre audience. A resonant bass voice arises from the back of the House. We Three Kings, he sings. We are proud of our memory of small things, but enjoy the temporary cleansing of the bad ones in preparation for the joy of the ages.

This is where we settle and wait for the beckoning of home. The Old Man has been on the road to Home for a while. The Star shows the way. Some say, Look at me, I am great with land and money. Others plead look away from me, for I am poor and wretched, blind and hungry. We are all traveling Home.

‘Sit at the Christmas Feast with me,’ the Preacher said. ‘There is plenty for everyone,’ the Preacher continued. ‘I am pleased to see you brought your Christmas Quilts with you as the weather gets a bit chilly on the First Day of Winter,’ the Preacher laughed. ‘We are different in many ways yet the same in our Father’s preparation for our journey,’ the Preacher noted. ‘Each of you has a wonderful homemade Christmas Quilt that shields you from the cold,’ the Preacher explained. ‘Change is coming, and it is just around the corner,’ the Preacher said. ‘The powerful, influential, and rich did not see the change when Christ was born, as it was hidden from their eyes,’ the Preacher continued. ‘We wait with the family of the Forest for the revealing of the Secret,’ the Preacher said, laughing happily.

‘I want a Christmas Quilt for Christmas,’ Jane said. ‘I can think of nothing else that would be more comforting and fun than a homemade Christmas Quilt made by Grandma A,’ Jane continued. ‘She makes them all year, and they provide warmth and solace to many,’ Jane noted.

‘Grandma A is making with her own hands a gift that money can not buy…she is giving the love of the Baby Jesus,’ Neva J said. ‘You will have her Christmas Quilt all of your life,’ Neva J promised. ‘This year we sisters are all helping Grandma A make many Christmas Quilts for the homeless,’ Neva J said.

The Old Man observed that the last day of autumn was lovely. A warm southerly breeze was blowing. Squirrels were playing in the trees. A young woman was holding on to her partner’s shoulder. The Woods was quiet. It is the weekend before Christmas. The Old Man’s favorite season is in its last day. It seems it just began. The trees wave their arms in naked glory. Winter makes its debut tomorrow. Winter is the Old Man’s second-favorite season. Never a summer fan, he likes the cool and cold. The sublime quiet of winter is calming and gives a sense of place. Winter lets you know that you’re not in charge. There are forces greater than I. We are here on a lease from the landlord. One day, the lease will be up.

The Old Man keeps Christmas all year. Santa is smiling from the shelves daily. There is only so much negative words and mean actions that can be absorbed before a change occurs. ‘The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.’

‘Mom, when will Santa Claus come?’ Herschel asked. ‘I have given him my wish list, and he assured me that he would visit our home,’ Herschel continued. ‘I want a Red Ryder BB Gun just like Ralphie received in the Movie A Christmas Story,’ Herschel said. ‘I promised I would not shoot my eye out,’ Herschel laughed. ‘I hope Santa did not forget,’ Herschel murmured.

‘I want peace on earth,’ Helen. said. ‘If Santa can bring peace on earth, I will be happy as if I had received a Thumbelina doll,’ Helen grinned. ‘Although my backup request was for a Thumbelina doll and a Barbie doll, along with peace on earth,’ Helen laughed. ‘I have no desire for a Red Ryder BB Gun, although Hershcel can talk of little else,’ Helen commented. ‘Barbie is new this year, and I pointed out to Santa that if he would see fit to bring me one, when I become old, Barbie will be worth a lot of money on eBay,’ Helen giggled and danced.

‘It will be difficult to pull off the peace on earth request of Helen, but we can start with having a dinner each week for the homeless in our town,’ Mom said. ‘If there is to be peace, it must begin with us,’ Mom said. ‘Also, I purchased the last new Barbie, which is selling like hot cakes,’ Mom did an Irish Jig.

‘Well, I would like a bit of peace on earth too,’ Herschel said. ‘I weary of the fighting and hidden agendas of many I encounter,’ Herschel continued. ‘We humans are best in the study of war and think little of peace,’ Herschel noted. ‘We have enough nuclear bombs to destroy the world many times over, and we mistakenly call the war plan deterrence,’ Herschel proclaimed. ‘The old words speak of beating our spears into pruning hooks: ‘They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.’For a backup plan, I would love to have a Red Ryder BB Gun and a Daniel Boone Action Figure that looks like the actor Fess Parker, who portrays him on television,’ Herschel said with feeling. ‘Isn’t this what we are celebrating, the birth of the Baby Jesus in the manger surrounded by the animals of the stable Wisemen and Shepherds who followed the Star of Bethlehem, Herschel asked. ‘We are all made of the same stuff,’ Herschel said. ‘We are brothers and sisters,’ Herschel observed.

The object of our hope draws nigh. We wait for the Baby and the promise of his coming. Our world has always been a troubled sea. Our little boats toss and rise on the waves of life and then return to their level position, sometimes with a terrible thud. Our furniture is askew. The sail has been shredded. Our clothes are soaked and torn from the storm. We watch for the elusive promise of peace.

When MJ Aaron, Jonathon, and the much younger Old Man visited First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale, we felt welcome. It was close to time for the trimming of a massive Christmas Tree in the Narthex. The joy of Christmas beamed from the friendly faces. Soon it was time for our first Christmas Eve Service. It began at 11:00 pm. It felt like a Charles Dickens Christmas Story. I could see Tiny Tim in the corner singing with all of his yuletide heart. Pastor Richard preached like an old-time pastor in Victorian England. The historic church was packed. Then came the candlelight singing of Silent Night. An enduring Christmas Memory. There was an aura from Heaven in the Sanctuary. The permanence of Christ’s coming resonated in the words. I felt renewed and ready to welcome the Advent of the Baby.

So we wait. Not with mean or hurtful words. We wait with acceptance and appreciation for the Gift. Someone showed us the way. Not retaliation but love.

We returned to our little home in Elkville with our hearts full of the Christmas Spirit. The feelings from the Christmas Eve Service stayed with me for some time. Christ is about helping those who need help. We had found a church home. We were accepted and felt the Christmas Eve experience. The vision of Victorian England and the hope that A Christmas Carol brings to our modern world. Poinsettias and garland, nativities and wreaths adorn our little church. We need a little Christmas right this very minute more than ever. Candles at the window and in our hearts as we wait for a change of hearts and minds and our continued journey home.

One week away. We watch and wait. Some old, some young wait for the promise. Christmas is a much-loved holiday. The pervasive joy of the season permeates all society. For many years, MJ and I attended more than one Christmas Party. Jo Ann and Peter had a lovely, large Christmas Tree. Jo Ann liked Christmas Mice Ornaments. One holiday season, we searched high and low for the elusive yuletide mouse. Then we returned later in the week, just before Christmas, for a gift exchange. A fun holiday event with Maker’s Mark and Diet Coke, and Dirty Martinis.

Stumble, we move toward home. Advice on reaching our goal is as varied as snowflakes. No two opinions are alike. Some believe that many are called, but few are chosen. They take ecclesiastical pride; they are the chosen. Others cry out Lord, show me the way.

‘This will be a great Christmas,’ Chet said with a holiday grin. ‘The Christmas Movie at the Orpheum Theatre was Miracle on Thirty Fourth Street,’ Chet continued. ‘I swear if I did not believe in Santa Claus before, I do now,’ Chet laughed. ‘Santa came to our house earlier in December and sat on our sofa,’ Chet noted with satisfaction. ‘He called me Chet and knew Dad’s name was Carol, and when he said it, he began singing a Christmas Carol,’ Chet winked. ‘As he sang, his head elf Charles joined in on harmony,’ Chet noted. ‘Santa told me to watch for him on Christmas Eve,’ Chet said.

‘This year will be different,’ Santa told the elves as they began loading the sleigh. ‘Life’s Path has been especially rocky and rough for many,’ Santa continued. ‘Children are shut away from their friends and neighbors in fear and dread of meeting new and different people,’ Santa noted. ‘The kids spend hours looking at their screens and engaging in Social Media, believing much of what they see and read,’ Santa warned. ‘Kids are forgetting how to be kids and grow up as worried neurotic young people,’ Santa said with a tear in his eye. ‘This Christmas Eve, we will leave bicycles and camping equipment, compasses and binoculars for the housebound kids,’ Santa laughed so hard his belly shook. ‘Warm coats and leather outback hats, mittens and heavy socks for the joys of winter and building a snowman,’ Santa cackled. ‘Invitations shall be sent to every girl and every boy for dinner with Mom and Dad every evening if they want to enjoy Christmas next year,’ Santa danced on one foot and then the other. ‘Civics will be emphasised and public service,’ Santa noted. ‘It will be Santa’s Assignment for all kids to make a new friend that is different from them each week of the New Year,’ Santa smoked his pipe, and the smoke encircled his head.

‘We will learn the meaning of one for all and all for one,’ Neva J proclaimed. ‘No longer will the lame sit at the side of the road waiting for help, now they shall be our friend and valued for their humanity,’ Neva J said. ‘We will form a Christmas Carolers group and bring the joy of the Holidays to many homes,’ Neva J laughed. ‘We shall turn the anger of small men off and love each other as the Babe in the Manger loved us,’ Neva J said with gusto.

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.

It was the days when mattresses and boxsprings blew onto the middle of the road. The days of a field fire on the way home from the Woods. The deli counter had no one to cut the deli meat at 10:30 AM due to the meat cutter being on a 30-minute break. When the Old Man returned at 12:15, the butcher had departed once again for his fifteen-minute break. One of those days that had a bit of a cloud of mystery engulfing it. Not bad, but different.

Christmastime is here. The days grow short the old year ends, and the New Year begins. The long-term weather forecast is temperatures in the 60s on Christmas Day. We were single digits on Sunday. It pays to have your traveling clothes on and your overnight bag packed.

It is the days of watching the skies for answers. The northern lights made an appearance recently in Carbondale. Signs and wonders, the Old Man thought. What did the eclectic members surrounding the Manger think as they welcomed the Baby? The old words promised a king forever after the order of Melchizedek. The Promise lay in front of them in swaddling clothes, surrounded by sheep and animals of the field.

Turmoil, strange days, and trouble buffet the human family. We want to give the impression of having it all together and being fully in charge of our little boat on the stormy sea. Often, this is no more than a mask painted with a large smile. We wait for the birth of the promise of peace. We wait for the Peaceable Kingdom.

Freedom of thought and speech is important. A leader who exhibits crulety and venom, hate and acrimony, is not good. We are made out of the same stuff. We all hurt and suffer tragedy. Never rejoice in another’s suffering. The road home is clear at Christmas. Multicolored lights illuminate the path. There are Santa’s elves loading the sleigh for the trip a week away. Kids’ hearts and kids at heart are having a spring in their step and laughter in their mouths. The time of gift-giving is near. The time of commemorating the gift of the ages is upon us. Our pain seems less this time of year. We will sort it, as our English friends say. Sorting it is really what it’s about. Being a servant/leader is the goal. Help the person next to you who has lost a loved one. Lend a hand to the sick and the lame. Leave no one behind, as we all must go home.