Merry Christmas

I am a Christian. If wishing you a Merry Christmas is somehow offensive, with all due respect, tough sugar cookies with sprinkles and icing. This holiday where we celebrate the birth of my Lord and Saviour brings me great joy and sensations of hope. I won't let political correctness stand in my way.

This morning I awoke with a memory on my brain that I hadn't thought of in decades. I think what spurned this thought was seeing the DVD of "A Miracle on 34th Street" starring Natalie Wood. It's a lovely movie that epitomizes the idea that faith in an ideal is all we need to believe. At least that's what I walk away with after watching it. It doesn't matter how many times I watch the film, I still get chills and joyfully weepy when they prove in the courtroom that Santa is real ... based on the faith and hope.

In the movie a new Santa is needed for the parade. This is where my memory fits in to this post. When I was in 8th or 9th grade, my classmates and I were informed that if we arrived early on the day of our town's Christmas parade, we could participate in the parade. We'd be randomly given character costumes and allowed to walk the parade route, throw out candy and partake in general merriment of the event.

Fortunately for me, the costume truck would be parked a few blocks up the road from my house. I could easily walk without pestering anyone to take me. I remember bundling up and hitting the trail. OK, it's not rough terrain in my old neighborhood. We had sidewalks and it was a straight jaunt up the hill.

I arrived early. I kept a watchful eye out for my friends who'd agreed to all meet. More and more hopeful participants arrived. None of which were my friends. It was drizzling and cold. I considered walking back home defeated, but then the sliding door on the back of the truck flew open with a clatter. Turning back wasn't an option as people crowded around me.

First to be given out were Santa's Elves. Six girls of similar height were needed. Being head's taller than most girls my age, I was passed over. I wanted to be something magical. The crowd dwindled as fairy tale characters were handed out around me. No Little Red Riding Hood would I be. Nor would I get to pretend for a short time that I was a fairy princess. No, I would become something far more recognizable.

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...................................... one of the Three Little Pigs.

On Christmas we don't always get what we want, but in the spirit of the holiday, we forge ahead. We capture the thrills and excitement that children exude. We walk in the moment and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memories that can't ever be duplicated.

God Bless.