The Right Stuff

It was a great Christmas after all.  The Myrtle Beach branch of the family all gathered at our house for all the four days of Christmas.  Between Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the day after Christmas, and Sunday when it all wound down, we ate so much food, I for one thought I would explode. 

And now we are into leftovers, which should last some time.  At these times it becomes vividly clear why everyone resolves to lose weight in the New Year. 

I always try to include some special stocking stuffers into Irene’s gift pile under the tree.  This year she received (among lots of other things) a colorful toolbox.  She likes to keep her own set of household tools rather than rummage around in my box, which is a mess.  The side of her old toolbox had broken out, so I made sure it found it’s way to the trash after she got the new one. 

She also got a small halogen flashlight for her purse, that she can use when she’s fumbling in the dark for her keys.

I gave her a small compass for her purse as well, so “you will always know your way.”  She replied, “I’ll just call you.”  

And since she is always giving to her family and to others, I made sure she received a letter from Santa, telling her what a good girl she has been.  And that is the truth.

The only glitch in the weekend was that Anthony was due to be delivered home from his father’s around five in the afternoon on Saturday.  Since he had been away all week, we planned a special dinner with all the family.  We had dinner without him, and his father arrived at 3:30 am with a mumbled excuse. 

We were only a little put off, but it gave us the excuse to have another family dinner on Sunday.  In addition to his toys, Anthony was excited that Grammy got a letter from Santa. 

Dear Irene,

Did you know that all my elves have been talking about you?   They are all very impressed that you with all your accomplishments this year. And Mrs. Claus and I are proud of you too!

I checked my Christmas list twice and then I had my elves check it twice too, and I see that you have been a very good girl this year!  I know that some days it is difficult to be a good girl, but you have tried very hard and that is why you are on my “nice” list.

I’m writing this letter to you because although some girls and boys stop believing in me when they grow up, you continue to believe and it makes my heart very happy. 

The elves and I were very busy before Christmas building toys and getting my sleigh ready for my big trip, but my elves and I have made sure you received many special gifts just for you!  My special elf “Poppy” was indispensable in telling me all the little gifts you might enjoy, and I hope you do enjoy them.   

My favorite part of Christmas is knowing families are together for the holiday and enjoying the gifts they receive.

I enjoyed visiting Myrtle Beach and stopping at your house.  I think I might visit again in the summer and sit on the beach for a while.  Say hello if you see me there.  I’ll be on my summer sleigh that sits on sand.  Ho! Ho! Ho!

Merry Christmas and Warmest Wishes to you and your family! 

 P.S.  Mrs. Claus is mending my red suit as I had so many holes in my knees from sliding down all of those chimneys!  Ho! Ho! Ho!

Santa