2022
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!
2021
Uncertainty and ugliness loom beyond our front door, but as long as we keep it out of our heart we will muddle through somehow.
Let this all soak in today…. No matter how big or small. How happy or sad you may be. If you love Christmas or despise it.
It is the time of year that our memories are the strongest. We often say to let go of the past. Don’t live in the past. Don’t dwell on the past….. BUTT (that’s a big but)
My trusty Day Calculator tells me it’s been 737,791 days since a carpenter took his young bride on a journey that stopped in a barn. 737,791 days since the Christ child brought light to the world.
2020
Believe........
2019
Big night tonight for Santa Claus as he shares his passion for giving and spreading the spirit of love!
We won’t have a white Christmas, but at one point the night will be silent and the faithful will come to see the birth of the child who brings hope... if you are willing to believe.
2017
Some of us celebrate The birth of Jesus and some of us are going out for Chinese after 8 nights of lighting the Menorah.
Merry Christmas!
I better not forget my Black brothers and Sisters that celebrate Kwanzaa! May your souls celebrate the first fruits of the holiday....
.... and my nerdy white brothers and sisters celebrating Festivus! May your grievances be aired!!!
