The Christmas season is underway and the rush is on. In just a few days, it will all be over. We are anxious to be able to sit by our trees, relax and enjoy some hot chocolate with a few sugar cookies.
The last minute gifts for someone we forgot must be found, wrapped and delivered with haste. It happens most years and forgotten items are usually hard to find. They may be part of the holiday meal; did you forget to order the special pies, or fresh turkey? I know it’s not quite Christmas, but the amount of time it’ll take to make those last-minute purchases will seem like eternity.
The gifts can be found at many stores that will be open until Santa makes his trip just to be sure they don’t miss a dollar even if employees have to work around the clock. Some gifts I have noted while shopping are old stand-by items only seen this time of year; the clapper and Chia plants. People love to give chocolate during the holidays, probably because they are hoping to get some. I saw a stack of boxed candy about six-foot high that looked like each box weighed about 10 pounds. They probably come with a guarantee to add at least that much next time you hit the scale.
If you forgot a gift for an adult you might be able to pick up a treat at the liquor store, just make sure it’s not for someone who may drink it all down and have to drive home.
A wonderful gift for a person or family who has very little could be an invitation to your Christmas dinner. As I see it, you get to enjoy the good feeling (a gift) while sharing a meal (a gift) they may not have an opportunity to enjoy.
It really is hard to believe, living in the land of plenty, there are families out on the streets across our country who cannot afford a meal of any kind at Christmas. If you have a few dollars left after all your shopping, think about making a donation to the Salvation Army or nearby meal pantry or kitchen.
When we sit down to our tables for a big dinner and say grace, let’s put in a word for all those in need. Christmas is a great time to reflect and give thanks for what we have, no matter how little it may be.
On a lighter note, I was remembering an old Christmas tale I used to read to my kids and decided to try to “adapt” it a little.
T’was the 24th of December and around the house the animals stirring were a dog, a cat, and a speedy mouse.
The kids were all passed out in their beds while visions of egg nog laced with too much rum danced in their heads.
Stockings with questionable soles were hung by the mantle in hopes someone would drop in a gift that wouldn’t fall through the holes.
Ma in her curlers and I in my Whaler cap had settled down for a well-deserved nap when outside I heard such a clatter I ran to the window and yelled, “Cut out all that chatter.” As I gazed at the moon glittering on fresh fallen snow, I was reminded it was 20 below.
All of a sudden what should appear but a rusty old sled and a bunch of reindeer. The chubby old driver got around pretty quick and I yelled to my wife, “Come see St. Nick.” The deer, led by Rudy, were lively and fast as they flew up to the rooftop and landed at last. The sleigh looked full of toys enough to please lots of girls and boys.
I closed the window and turned around and I heard a loud noise as Santa climbed down. I went to the basement stairway and called, “Are you all right?” and he responded, “I’m having a tough night.”
When I asked if he wanted his milk and cookies he said, “I’ll give them to the deer, but why doesn’t anyone ever leave Santa a beer?”
After he filled all the stockings with gifts in paper and bows, he landed back on the roof once he wiggled his nose.
He called all his reindeer by name, hooked up their harnesses and soon disappeared into the darkness. As they sped out of sight I heard Santa say, “Merry Christmas to all and have a great night!”
I think the tale went something like that and I also wish all my readers a wonderful Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.