Many of us have a shitload of things to do in the next 24 hours. Don’t lose focus….
Things will all fall into place, but make sure someone keeps Baby Jesus from kicking off his blanket. Swaddle him tightly and make sure the shepherds clean the sheep shit off the neighbors lawn.
The most common post among all of you is the joy that you are safely together with the people you love. The pictures of dads hugging daughters home from school. The pictures of smiles around the dining room table. The family playing a guitar and singing together.
This is Christmas!
We are making cookies in Noblesville. We are watching “Love Actually” in Elmhurst. We are listening to Dean Martin in Bridgeport. We are taking a walk with our grandparents in Gloucestershire. We are making cookies in Logan Square.
This is Christmas!
The market closed yesterday and the lads at work poured bourbon and cherished our integrity and energy. We wished each other a Happy Christmas when suddenly a racket entered the trading room as Fritz and Hazel ran in and gave me a hug.
This is Christmas!
I leave you with the sermon from the end of my favorite Christmas movie, “The Bishops Wife.”
“Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.
Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.
But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. Its his birthday we're celebrating. Don't let us ever forget that.
Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shinning gifts that make peace on earth.”
Merry Christmas everyone, I love you all…… Jumbo!
