I am happy to report that Santa has arrived safely at his home around 6:47am Chicago time.
The journey had its usual bumps and sharp turns. The reindeer worked well together as a team. Landing safely at the NorthPole to the cheers of a tired bunch in Kringle Village.
Santa hasn’t written his 2021 Trip Log yet, but he told me he was saddened this year as the spirit of kindness and love felt smothered throughout the world.
He did find the glitter of hope in places he did not expect to find it.
Before he hung up the phone he said, “Big John! We’ll have another go at it next year! Though I’m worried for 2022…. People are not themselves. These last few years have been hard.”
He paused for a moment when Mrs. Claus brought in his scotch.
“Where were we Shep?”
I replied, “You sound tired Sir! You don’t seem like you’ve accomplished a successful journey… not like years past.”
“Oohhhh Ho Ho Ho….. I’m fine! We need to work harder this coming year at our kindness and understanding! We need to hold ourselves accountable and forge on!”
“Easier said than done Sir.”
“Keep on Keepin’ on Shep! I’m going to enjoy my scotch, smoke this cigar and listen to some Hendrix!”
Pretty much the same conversation we have every Christmas morning. Next time we talk, usually around Epiphany he will be optimistic and in his normal jolly mood.
So Happy Christmas to all of you Morning Chalkheads!
FORGE ON!
