| December SketchNotes |
The Book Mark
December 2008
Welcome Back!
Articles and Stories: A Christmas Wish, by Leann; Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, from Wikipedia; The Christmas Cookie Jars, by
Linda Law; It Was Two Nights Before Christmas, by Linda Law; Christmas Memories, by Donelle Knudsen
Poetry: Puppy Sock, by Leann; Sparkling Christmas/Beautiful Sight, by Stephen W. Pollard; Little Boy From Nowhere, by Leann; Silence,
by Leann; Tell Me, by Leann; Little Red Sled, by Felix Perry; Ho Ho Ho...You Bet! by Felix Perry
A Selection of Vintage Poetry
Recipes: Newfoundland Snow Balls, from Felix Perry
Games and Links: Link to Northpole.com (A fun family site)
Cartoons: Geez, Louise! by Leann
Linda Law; It Was Two Nights Before Christmas, by Linda Law; Christmas Memories, by Donelle Knudsen
Poetry: Puppy Sock, by Leann; Sparkling Christmas/Beautiful Sight, by Stephen W. Pollard; Little Boy From Nowhere, by Leann; Silence,
by Leann; Tell Me, by Leann; Little Red Sled, by Felix Perry; Ho Ho Ho...You Bet! by Felix Perry
A Selection of Vintage Poetry
Recipes: Newfoundland Snow Balls, from Felix Perry
Games and Links: Link to Northpole.com (A fun family site)
Cartoons: Geez, Louise! by Leann
Ho Ho Ho…You bet!
By F.L. Perry Clause
Yes, yes my beard is growing longer
Fluffier and more white than gray
Too soon the snowflake patterns
Will bring the children out to play
Now each day before the mirror
I must practice hard my ho ho ho’s
Find a little redder shade of rouge
To brighten up my cheeks and nose
Ensure my suit don’t smell of moth balls
Make sure my gloves are sparkly white
Better take them boots to get polished
Oh my don’t they look a dreadful sight
Make sure I do my deep knee bends
The kiddies need a comfy place to sit
You see I’m just one of Santa’s look a likes
But in the mall I’ll still be a hit!
By F.L. Perry Clause
Yes, yes my beard is growing longer
Fluffier and more white than gray
Too soon the snowflake patterns
Will bring the children out to play
Now each day before the mirror
I must practice hard my ho ho ho’s
Find a little redder shade of rouge
To brighten up my cheeks and nose
Ensure my suit don’t smell of moth balls
Make sure my gloves are sparkly white
Better take them boots to get polished
Oh my don’t they look a dreadful sight
Make sure I do my deep knee bends
The kiddies need a comfy place to sit
You see I’m just one of Santa’s look a likes
But in the mall I’ll still be a hit!
Sketch Notes
is my Website's
seasonal page
where I can just
get creative and
have fun.
(No rules.)
In This Issue-
Newfoundland Snow Balls
½ cup margarine
1 1/2 cup fine coconut
1 can sweetened condensed
milk
2 cups graham wafer crumbs
3 tbsp cocoa
1 pkg medium marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla
dash of Newfoundland Screech
liquor
In top of double boiler, melt
margarine. Blend in milk, cocoa
and vanilla and screech.
Remove from heat and blend
in coconut and graham wafer
crumbs. Wrap each
marshmallow with mixture (a
bowl of water nearby helps to
keep hands moist). Roll each
one in extra coconut. Place on
cookie sheet to freeze. Transfer
frozen cookies to a container
with a tightly sealed lid and
store in freezer.
½ cup margarine
1 1/2 cup fine coconut
1 can sweetened condensed
milk
2 cups graham wafer crumbs
3 tbsp cocoa
1 pkg medium marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla
dash of Newfoundland Screech
liquor
In top of double boiler, melt
margarine. Blend in milk, cocoa
and vanilla and screech.
Remove from heat and blend
in coconut and graham wafer
crumbs. Wrap each
marshmallow with mixture (a
bowl of water nearby helps to
keep hands moist). Roll each
one in extra coconut. Place on
cookie sheet to freeze. Transfer
frozen cookies to a container
with a tightly sealed lid and
store in freezer.
So what the heck is
Newfoundland
Screech Liquor??
"Newfie Screech
is a liquor native
to Newfoundland
Canada, it was
actually the dregs
of the wooden
rum casks when
they came from
Barbados back in
the days of sail, it
can still be bought
up here in our
liquor stores but
if unavailable
down there I am
sure dark rum
would prove a
substitute."
--Felix Perry
Newfoundland
Screech Liquor??
"Newfie Screech
is a liquor native
to Newfoundland
Canada, it was
actually the dregs
of the wooden
rum casks when
they came from
Barbados back in
the days of sail, it
can still be bought
up here in our
liquor stores but
if unavailable
down there I am
sure dark rum
would prove a
substitute."
--Felix Perry
| The Twelve Days of Christmas |
2008 SketchNotes Archives:
"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus"
--From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
1897, Dr. Philip O’Hanlon, a coroner's assistant on Manhattan's
Upper West Side, was asked by his then eight-year-old daughter,
Virginia (1889-1971), whether Santa Claus really existed. Virginia
had begun to doubt there was a Santa Claus, because her friends
had told her that he did not exist.
Dr. O’Hanlon suggested she write to the New York Sun, a
prominent New York City newspaper at the time, assuring her that
"If you see it in The Sun, its so." While he may have been passing
the buck, he unwittingly gave one of the paper's editors, Francis
Pharcellus Church, an opportunity to rise above the simple
question, and address the philosophical issues behind it.
Church was a war correspondent during the American Civil War, a
time which saw great suffering and a corresponding lack of hope
and faith in much of society. Although the paper ran the editorial
in the seventh place on the editorial page, below even an editorial
on the newly invented "chainless bicycle", its message was very
moving to many people who read it. More than a century later it
remains the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper
in the English language.
--From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
1897, Dr. Philip O’Hanlon, a coroner's assistant on Manhattan's
Upper West Side, was asked by his then eight-year-old daughter,
Virginia (1889-1971), whether Santa Claus really existed. Virginia
had begun to doubt there was a Santa Claus, because her friends
had told her that he did not exist.
Dr. O’Hanlon suggested she write to the New York Sun, a
prominent New York City newspaper at the time, assuring her that
"If you see it in The Sun, its so." While he may have been passing
the buck, he unwittingly gave one of the paper's editors, Francis
Pharcellus Church, an opportunity to rise above the simple
question, and address the philosophical issues behind it.
Church was a war correspondent during the American Civil War, a
time which saw great suffering and a corresponding lack of hope
and faith in much of society. Although the paper ran the editorial
in the seventh place on the editorial page, below even an editorial
on the newly invented "chainless bicycle", its message was very
moving to many people who read it. More than a century later it
remains the most reprinted editorial ever to run in any newspaper
in the English language.
Francis Pharcellus Church
Santa "Fee" and
his little
granddaughter,
Jamie Lee,
share a special
moment
together.
his little
granddaughter,
Jamie Lee,
share a special
moment
together.
VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have
been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They
do not believe except [what] they see. They think that
nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their
little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's
or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours
man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as
compared with the boundless world about him, as
measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the
whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as
certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and
you know that they abound and give to your life its
highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the
world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as
dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be
no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make
tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment,
except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which
childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not
believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men
to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch
Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus
coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees
Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa
Claus. The most real things in the world are those that
neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see
fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's
no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive
or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and
unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what
makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the
unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even
the united strength of all the strongest men that ever
lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love,
romance, can push aside that curtain and view and
picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all
real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing
else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives
forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten
times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to
make glad the heart of childhood.
been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They
do not believe except [what] they see. They think that
nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their
little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's
or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours
man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as
compared with the boundless world about him, as
measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the
whole of truth and knowledge.
Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as
certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and
you know that they abound and give to your life its
highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the
world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as
dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be
no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make
tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment,
except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which
childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not
believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men
to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch
Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus
coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees
Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa
Claus. The most real things in the world are those that
neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see
fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's
no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive
or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and
unseeable in the world.
You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what
makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the
unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even
the united strength of all the strongest men that ever
lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love,
romance, can push aside that curtain and view and
picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all
real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing
else real and abiding.
No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives
forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten
times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to
make glad the heart of childhood.
Luke 2:1-7
And it came to pass in those days,
that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world
should be taxed...
...And all went to be taxed, every
one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,
into Judaea, unto the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem; (because
he was of the house and lineage of
David:)
To be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with
child.
And so it was, that, while they
were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be
delivered.
And she brought forth her
firstborn son, and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in
a manger; because there was no
room for them in the inn.
And it came to pass in those days,
that there went out a decree from
Caesar Augustus, that all the world
should be taxed...
...And all went to be taxed, every
one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from
Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,
into Judaea, unto the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem; (because
he was of the house and lineage of
David:)
To be taxed with Mary his
espoused wife, being great with
child.
And so it was, that, while they
were there, the days were
accomplished that she should be
delivered.
And she brought forth her
firstborn son, and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in
a manger; because there was no
room for them in the inn.
A Christmas Wish
Through sights, sounds, and smells—the month of
December brings moments of nostalgia and new
opportunities for gatherings of loved ones, both family
and friends.
This year, when times are difficult for so many and it
seems harder to find things for which to be thankful, I’m
reminded of one of my favorite books, Charles Dickens’ "A
Christmas Carol," the much-loved story about one
dismally selfish man’s eventual acceptance of the
Divine gift of love and how, through such a miracle, it
changes his life and the lives of those around him
forever.
Love and the spirit of giving is, indeed, very contagious.
Its grace--shown through A simple smile, an act of
kindness given to a stranger--can cause a rippling
effect like those in a pool of water, spreading ever
outward. And no matter how subtle or how small, those
ripples are extremely powerful for those who’ve given as
well as those who receive them.
Through all the glitter of the holidays, all the different
ethnic celebrations; candle lighting, singing of
beautiful songs, hopeful reconciliation between those
who are estranged; through regrets and loneliness,
thankfulness and joy; the drama of office parties and
reunions with those we love, and thoughtful re-
acquaintance with our own inner truths—it is this one
thing, this one constant--to which I hang on with all my
spirit--that I know will help to carry me through to the
end of this year and into the next and well beyond:
Love.
May the peace of this special season stay with us now
and forever.
--Leann
Through sights, sounds, and smells—the month of
December brings moments of nostalgia and new
opportunities for gatherings of loved ones, both family
and friends.
This year, when times are difficult for so many and it
seems harder to find things for which to be thankful, I’m
reminded of one of my favorite books, Charles Dickens’ "A
Christmas Carol," the much-loved story about one
dismally selfish man’s eventual acceptance of the
Divine gift of love and how, through such a miracle, it
changes his life and the lives of those around him
forever.
Love and the spirit of giving is, indeed, very contagious.
Its grace--shown through A simple smile, an act of
kindness given to a stranger--can cause a rippling
effect like those in a pool of water, spreading ever
outward. And no matter how subtle or how small, those
ripples are extremely powerful for those who’ve given as
well as those who receive them.
Through all the glitter of the holidays, all the different
ethnic celebrations; candle lighting, singing of
beautiful songs, hopeful reconciliation between those
who are estranged; through regrets and loneliness,
thankfulness and joy; the drama of office parties and
reunions with those we love, and thoughtful re-
acquaintance with our own inner truths—it is this one
thing, this one constant--to which I hang on with all my
spirit--that I know will help to carry me through to the
end of this year and into the next and well beyond:
Love.
May the peace of this special season stay with us now
and forever.
--Leann
Note: The original writings and cartoons belong to those who created them and
should not be used without their permission. Some are copyrighted.
should not be used without their permission. Some are copyrighted.
Did you enjoy this experimental issue of Sketch
Notes? Let me know.
Got any Suggestions for future Sketch Notes?
Have you got a resolution, poem, story, or article
you'd like featured in the January/New Year
issue?
Just want to say Hi?
Email me by clicking on the red door.
Leann's
Puppy Sock
Why a puppy
In a sock?
He’d tell you why
If he could talk-
"I rode with Santa Claus,"
He'd say,
"Flew far and wide--
Came a very long way;
All around the world
We roamed
Until I found
My perfect home
(Bet you never
Even knew
That I was looking
Just for you!)"
-L.Marshall
Why a puppy
In a sock?
He’d tell you why
If he could talk-
"I rode with Santa Claus,"
He'd say,
"Flew far and wide--
Came a very long way;
All around the world
We roamed
Until I found
My perfect home
(Bet you never
Even knew
That I was looking
Just for you!)"
-L.Marshall
SPARKLING CHRISTMAS / BEAUTIFUL SIGHT by Stephen W. Pollard "They say Christmas is for the children. But, also, Christmas is for everyone to enjoy and savor as memories throughout the long year..." The sparkling lights on the Christmas Tree Shining crystal ornaments on thee Creating such a sparkling light That is just a beautiful sight Happy children help to decorate The tree with so much glee A happy sight to appreciate For everyone to see Christmas Time is a happy time To see Christmas Tree lights Christmas Time is a happy time To see the faces of children shine |
A good book always makes a great gift. While you're here browse the Book Shelf.
Where Silence lies
As a frozen blanket
Upon the forest glen;
There is naught more warming
To the soul
Than fond mem’ries of “back when...”
--L. Marshall
As a frozen blanket
Upon the forest glen;
There is naught more warming
To the soul
Than fond mem’ries of “back when...”
--L. Marshall
| Little Boy From Nowhere by Leann Marshall What could the little boy have thought Alone upon the hill When starlight blazed in eastern sky What wonders to reveal? Twas there he saw them—travelers three As they passed across the drifts Who upon the backs of camels rode And bore the finest gifts He followed them to Bethlehem Amazed at where they led They stopped behind a lowly inn And filed into a shed He stayed within the shadows So afraid that they would see A little boy from nowhere So filled with curiosity He watched them gather round the shed They spoke in voices low He wondered who they spoke of then What news he did not know? But then a shepherd saw the boy And he began to run Until the shepherd called to him, “Come, see the Holy One...” He took his hand and walked within They let the boy come forward To see a miracle that night A light—the Lord of Lords The star that seemed to lead them Now shone down upon this place Revealing the small manger there An Infant’s peaceful face; And close to Him His mother knelt Her eyes so filled with grace What could the little boy have thought How could this all be real? When starlight blazed in eastern sky Such wonders to reveal? He’d never heard of any king Without a golden throne A court to carry out his wants And make his orders known He felt a wondrous sense of peace And thought of many things As light began to fill his heart This Babe, the King of Kings Then as the years passed quickly by The little boy was grown He ne’er forgot that blazing star and The miracle he’d been shown And through his travels far and wide He never felt alone |
There are no bells
in all the world
so sweet as sleigh
bells over snow.
The horses arch
their necks to hear
that pretty music
as they go.
If it is dark, you
cannot see
the horses curvetting
and prancing,
but you would know
to hear the bells
that those who
shook them
must be dancing.
--Elizabeth
Coatsworth
in all the world
so sweet as sleigh
bells over snow.
The horses arch
their necks to hear
that pretty music
as they go.
If it is dark, you
cannot see
the horses curvetting
and prancing,
but you would know
to hear the bells
that those who
shook them
must be dancing.
--Elizabeth
Coatsworth
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember
"We are closer to Spring
Than we were in September,"
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
--Oliver Herford
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember
"We are closer to Spring
Than we were in September,"
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
--Oliver Herford
Northpole.com is a commercial banner-free, child-safe Web site designed to
provide a family-oriented Christmas site for children and families to share
together. Click on the banner below to visit this fun site.
provide a family-oriented Christmas site for children and families to share
together. Click on the banner below to visit this fun site.
Choose wisely then,
Each ornament and
frosted tinsel skein
For branches that
have worn jewels
Of gleaming
mountain rain.
--Elizabeth-Ellan
Long
Each ornament and
frosted tinsel skein
For branches that
have worn jewels
Of gleaming
mountain rain.
--Elizabeth-Ellan
Long
Vintage Poetry
| Velvet Shoes Let us walk in the white snow In a soundless space; With footsteps quiet and slow, At a tranquil pace, Under veils of white lace. I shall go shod in silk, And you in wool, White as a white cow's milk, More beautiful Than the breast of a gull. We shall walk through the still town In a windless peace; We shall step upon white down, Upon silver fleece, Upon softer than these. We shall walk in velvet shoes: Wherever we go Silence will fall like dews On white silence below. We shall walk in the snow. --Elinor Wylie |
The stable is
a Prince's courte,
The cribb His
Chaire of State;
The beastes
are parcell of
His pompe,
The wodden dishe
His plate.
--Robert Southwell
a Prince's courte,
The cribb His
Chaire of State;
The beastes
are parcell of
His pompe,
The wodden dishe
His plate.
--Robert Southwell
| "May the fire of this log warm the cold; may the hungry be fed; may the weary find rest, and may all enjoy Heaven's peace." --Traditional prayer said when yule log is lighted. |
EMAIL ME!
| Did you ever wonder what this song was talking about? I did. See what Snopes has to say about it. |
| Cartoons To see the current "Geez, Louise!" cartoons, click on Clark above. |
The Christmas Cookie Jars...
- Linda Law
During those years when I had a career, it was tradition that employees traded names for the
Christmas party held each year. In the beginning, when I had first been hired, I was just an
assistant manager and learning from the ground up. Amazing how no matter the background,
education, or past experiences, a new job can be quite challenging, to say the least. Before
long I was a manager, and then Trouble shooter, then it seemed that I never sat still. Moving
from city to city, state to state, fixing and motivating, and it seemed as if I was born to do this.
Our company was generous and good to its help . In my case however, I had so many to
lead, that although we had a company party, I felt the need to say thank you for all they did.
My salary was good, but I have a family, so....each October I began to collect...
Small items for all my staff, from the lowest positions to the top of the stack....each to me
was invaluable indeed, and so many...also had needs. I discovered the Dollar Stores, which
were new at the time...and Target, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart too. Wherever I traveled, I'd shop
for nice gifts, the price was not the matter, it was the person in mind. The first year I had 20
to shop for; then it kept growing....60, then 110, then 220, then 600....and more... but in the
beginning I loved this challenge... so...
By the first of December, I'd gathered all my items...mostly $1 gifts, but I'd buy lots of
baskets, and colored raffia to fill them with...each basket held 5 more items...trinkets, and
many other things... Shrink wrapped and tied with Christmas ribbon, one by one the
assembly line went... By the 10th of December, the dining room would be wall to wall with
gifts galore.. Boxed and shipped in time to receive, while many stayed here to be given in
person at the local Christmas dinner. I always insisted that I wanted no gifts, but I'd ask that
each employee would donate $1.00.... At the end of the evening, we'd have $100 or more
and we'd buy enough to feed one or two families who wouldn't have without it.
Each year the employee list grew, and each year my mind would try to find a new way of
gifting. On my 12th year, I had so many employees scattered all over the US, that I decided
to give one small gift to each...
My kitchen became a factory of sorts... 300 clear plastic jars with lids... Each one filled with
cookie mixes, dry ingredients only, stacked in the jar so that it looked really pretty... One
layer of dry ingredients, one layer of brown sugar, one layer of chocolate chips, one layer of
pecans or walnuts, from bottom to top.. Then each lid was wrapped with pretty red colored
Raffia and tied into a long bow....attached to each Raffia bow was a Christmas shaped cookie
cutter and a 3x5 cookie shaped colored card, with directions for mixing, and baking... Some
jars were short and some jars were double in size (for family size) and then I stacked them in
cartons with a label for each....shipped them and sent them all over the globe...
The week after Christmas, the thank you cards and notes came by the droves....phone calls
and messages, from one and all! The CEO called to say his grandchildren loved the gift...the
kids baked the cookies and had such fun! The notes were all loving and thoughtful, and told
of how this one little jar had meant so much... reminding me that.....
My 12th year was nearing its end, when it was apparent that many offices would be closed,
and employees would lose their jobs...so the reminder of the year before was still strong...
and five years later...my life has changed, but I'll always treasure the times I shared...
It's the giving with love that comes from the heart...not the price of the gift or where it came
from... The joy of the giving was mainly mine...I loved the projects and selecting who would
get what...over the years, these people had become not just staff...but friends.
| Two Christmas Stories by Linda Law |
It was two nights before Christmas...
-Linda Law
This is what happens when one believes... Miracles do happen...
It was two nights before Christmas, when all through our house, everyone was busy,
shopping and more. Our house was big, and each child had their own room, we were blessed
with material and love all around.
Christmas lights were blinking from end to end, even the outdoor Miniature Doll house that
we made for our daughter was lit like the tree. Red lights, Blue lights, green ones too, were
spun around each palm tree front and back. The pool was warm, and the lights glowed
green, everywhere they glowed, and in between. The kids made their lists for Santa and
others; they knew their wishes would be theirs real soon.
Our RV was parked on the side parking area, with blinking Santa perched on the hood... It
was loaded and ready for our trip next week, it was always our treat to stay somewhere really
neat.
Hubby would do all the cooking for us, everyone knew to keep me out of the kitchen; except
for the decor.....so, my job was simply shopping for all, wrapping and labeling, and hiding of
course.
It was one night before Christmas, when everything was ready, the Eve of His birthday was
here and we were having a party. The kids always saved this night for Jesus... It's His
birthday they said, so this night is for Him. It was tradition that each child....3 boys and one
girl, would write down their "gift" and it remained secret...til...
Dinner at seven, the party is on... Nothing heavy, just fun food for tonight...Tomorrow is the
day we all fill our tummies...open our gifts and head for the door...bicycles, dolls, skates, and
much more... Each child said a prayer for Jesus' birthday, then read his "gift" for all to hear.
Bugs was the oldest so he went first.."I want to give one toy and a meal to someone who
doesn't have this year"... Tiffany was next, so she read her gift..."I'm giving something nice
to wear, and if we can I want to give them some food." ..... Scotty spoke up "This isn't
fair...They've taken my gifts, and that's not fair...I want to give one toy or two, and maybe
more...." ..... Chris whose the youngest, wanted to be heard..."My gift is best, hahahaha...I
invited the Johnson's kids to come eat with us...and I promised that Santa would give them
each a toy."......
Dad looked at me, and I looked at him...and then we both grinned... "How many Johnson's
are coming tomorrow?".... And what are their names, and how old are they?".....
WE knew this was urgent, and we had no time...food was not the issue, we had plenty on
hand...we could feed at least 15...And we were already six.... Our kids were so generous
with their gifts...but...they hadn't planned on how they'd be met... so... We told our oldest to
handle the "party"...And we headed for Walgreens and every other drugstore that was open...
9 PM ....We had a small chance... We gathered the left overs, toys and games, and rushed
back home to wrap and get ready....
Santa came around 10 AM, and the kids were all happy with the loot they'd received...so we
asked each one..."which gift are you giving from your stack?...Remember you promised ..."
Each one had a time, figuring out which to give up...but soon we had more gifts to re-wrap
and get ready... Dinner guests were coming at 3:00, and Two huge turkeys were roasted and
yummy....A spiral Ham was begging to be eaten, and so many pies that we knew would be
plenty... The table was set with our fancy china, when Chris the youngest said, "Those
Johnson kids don't have nothing nice...they're going to be so happy when they see all this
stuff"...
The doorbell kept ringing, as each guest was welcomed... Soon it was time to sit for dinner..
Our table was nice, but it only seated eight, so we had eight more to set a place.... The
kitchen table was moved to the big room...no one was eating away from the others...today
was the day for all to be one... We asked for volunteers to say the prayer...when one little
hand said, "I want to pray"..... It was the littlest Johnson, at least seven years old.... He was
so happy it was plain as day...
We all bowed our heads as he began to pray..."Thank you Santa for remembering we were
good... But Thank you Jesus for being born. I prayed for a miracle this year so we could
have dinner and even a gift, but God you gave us more than we asked... I've never seen two
turkeys and a Ham!... Amen"..... All the kids clapped and said..Amen!
-Linda Law
This is what happens when one believes... Miracles do happen...
It was two nights before Christmas, when all through our house, everyone was busy,
shopping and more. Our house was big, and each child had their own room, we were blessed
with material and love all around.
Christmas lights were blinking from end to end, even the outdoor Miniature Doll house that
we made for our daughter was lit like the tree. Red lights, Blue lights, green ones too, were
spun around each palm tree front and back. The pool was warm, and the lights glowed
green, everywhere they glowed, and in between. The kids made their lists for Santa and
others; they knew their wishes would be theirs real soon.
Our RV was parked on the side parking area, with blinking Santa perched on the hood... It
was loaded and ready for our trip next week, it was always our treat to stay somewhere really
neat.
Hubby would do all the cooking for us, everyone knew to keep me out of the kitchen; except
for the decor.....so, my job was simply shopping for all, wrapping and labeling, and hiding of
course.
It was one night before Christmas, when everything was ready, the Eve of His birthday was
here and we were having a party. The kids always saved this night for Jesus... It's His
birthday they said, so this night is for Him. It was tradition that each child....3 boys and one
girl, would write down their "gift" and it remained secret...til...
Dinner at seven, the party is on... Nothing heavy, just fun food for tonight...Tomorrow is the
day we all fill our tummies...open our gifts and head for the door...bicycles, dolls, skates, and
much more... Each child said a prayer for Jesus' birthday, then read his "gift" for all to hear.
Bugs was the oldest so he went first.."I want to give one toy and a meal to someone who
doesn't have this year"... Tiffany was next, so she read her gift..."I'm giving something nice
to wear, and if we can I want to give them some food." ..... Scotty spoke up "This isn't
fair...They've taken my gifts, and that's not fair...I want to give one toy or two, and maybe
more...." ..... Chris whose the youngest, wanted to be heard..."My gift is best, hahahaha...I
invited the Johnson's kids to come eat with us...and I promised that Santa would give them
each a toy."......
Dad looked at me, and I looked at him...and then we both grinned... "How many Johnson's
are coming tomorrow?".... And what are their names, and how old are they?".....
WE knew this was urgent, and we had no time...food was not the issue, we had plenty on
hand...we could feed at least 15...And we were already six.... Our kids were so generous
with their gifts...but...they hadn't planned on how they'd be met... so... We told our oldest to
handle the "party"...And we headed for Walgreens and every other drugstore that was open...
9 PM ....We had a small chance... We gathered the left overs, toys and games, and rushed
back home to wrap and get ready....
Santa came around 10 AM, and the kids were all happy with the loot they'd received...so we
asked each one..."which gift are you giving from your stack?...Remember you promised ..."
Each one had a time, figuring out which to give up...but soon we had more gifts to re-wrap
and get ready... Dinner guests were coming at 3:00, and Two huge turkeys were roasted and
yummy....A spiral Ham was begging to be eaten, and so many pies that we knew would be
plenty... The table was set with our fancy china, when Chris the youngest said, "Those
Johnson kids don't have nothing nice...they're going to be so happy when they see all this
stuff"...
The doorbell kept ringing, as each guest was welcomed... Soon it was time to sit for dinner..
Our table was nice, but it only seated eight, so we had eight more to set a place.... The
kitchen table was moved to the big room...no one was eating away from the others...today
was the day for all to be one... We asked for volunteers to say the prayer...when one little
hand said, "I want to pray"..... It was the littlest Johnson, at least seven years old.... He was
so happy it was plain as day...
We all bowed our heads as he began to pray..."Thank you Santa for remembering we were
good... But Thank you Jesus for being born. I prayed for a miracle this year so we could
have dinner and even a gift, but God you gave us more than we asked... I've never seen two
turkeys and a Ham!... Amen"..... All the kids clapped and said..Amen!
Some of these great graphics came from the sites below..
| Christmas where cornfields stand sunny and bright... Christmas where peace, like a dove in its flight Broods o'er brave men in the thick of the fight; Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight. --Phillips Brooks |
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1:9
Linda Law, an author who also belongs to AuthorsDen, a site for readers
and writers alike, wanted to share her Christmas experiences and how
uplifting the spirit of giving can be, no matter how large or small the gift.
and writers alike, wanted to share her Christmas experiences and how
uplifting the spirit of giving can be, no matter how large or small the gift.
"Did you know
that just like
any of us,
Santa Claus has
to get ready for
this very special
occasion, too?"
that just like
any of us,
Santa Claus has
to get ready for
this very special
occasion, too?"
Santa Claus!
| Little Red Sled by Felix LeRoy Perry Friday, December 10, 2004 Ahhh things were so simple then... Please, look back with me for a moment if you can Back to the days of my youth and my fondest memories Christmas back then was always a magical time Things were slower and there were a lot more trees I remember the vacant lot behind our house Toboggans, sleds, or just a cardboard box would do Zipping down the hill with the snow falling Praying that Santa would bring us a sled brand new Snot frozen sleeves from always runny noses Mother’s home-made mittens stretched out of shape Old coverall snow pants patched and worn so thin It didn’t matter when we made our magic escape Cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians, even soldiers too I’ll be the good guy, you be the bad guy It was long before the age of computer Yet we always seemed to make time fly The day was never long enough, or we so far away that… We could hear our mothers calling from our backdoor Come home now kids, suppers getting cold We’d all race for the comfort of home made food for sure Dump wet clothes in the porch that Mom would hang to dry Grab a place around the table joking, laughing, cheeks of red Afterwards in front of tree decorated more with love then money We’d wear out the Sears and Roebuck before we went to bed Christmas morn would find nine kids with that single magic toy Perhaps a truck, a dolly for sis or that shiny new red sled Oranges, tangerines and hard candy filled our stockings hung Ah, those were the days of Christmas, which still linger in my head. |
Felix L. Perry is just a genuinely good
guy who brings a lot to AuthorsDen.
He is well loved and is unbelievably
prolific with his writing, having
produced over one thousand poems on
the site!
guy who brings a lot to AuthorsDen.
He is well loved and is unbelievably
prolific with his writing, having
produced over one thousand poems on
the site!
I enjoy sharing Stephen Pollard's
folksy, melodic poetry.
folksy, melodic poetry.
Christmas Memories
By Donelle Knudsen
Christmas at Granddad’s was always special. He would move the overstuffed chairs in
front of the fireplace so he and I could enjoy its warmth while we read stories, sipped
eggnog and ate delicious holiday cookies as Christmas music played on the radio. We
decorated the tree with beautiful blown glass ornaments and tons of silver tinsel, and
then I’d hang my stocking on the mantle for Santa to fill. To add to the magic we’d
turn off all of the lights so only the fire and the soft glow of the Christmas tree lit the
room.
I can still see Granddad’s living room in my mind’s eye; except for Christmas, it was
never re-arranged and was always immaculate. The furniture was kind of old
fashioned, but soft, and oh so comfy. A round card table by the couch always held the
never-empty bowl of mixed nuts and a jigsaw puzzle. I worked on the puzzles either
with Granddad, alone, or with my friends. Every Christmas Santa brought a new
puzzle to add to our collection.
The Christmas I turned eleven three of my girl friends and I decided to shop at
Portland’s newly opened Lloyd Center shopping mall. I asked Dad if I could take the
bus and spend the day shopping for Christmas gifts. Along with his permission, he
gave me $7.00 to spend; at the time it seemed like a million dollars. With care and a
little luck, my money held out and I bought presents for everyone and even had
enough left over for hot chocolate and donuts at the Hole-in-One donut shop, as well
as the bus ride home.
Lloyd Center was a wonder at Christmas time. The crowning of the Lucia Bride, which
was a part of the Swedish Christmas celebration, was held at Lloyd Center. The lucky
girl was crowned with a coronet of candles in the skating arena near the huge fir tree
which was brought in every Christmas. The outdoor rink was packed with brightly
dressed skaters who twirled and glided to festive tunes. Christmas music played on
speakers throughout the entire outdoor shopping center, and carolers from schools
and churches brightened the atmosphere on cold, cloudy, and rainy days. Lloyd
Center was not covered then, so one had to bundle up to handle the weather and rush
between covered areas to keep dry. The hustle and bustle was infectious and
exhilarating and I’m sure even Scrooge would have smiled at the scene. In the sixties
the holidays just weren’t complete without a trip to Lloyd Center.
By Donelle Knudsen
Christmas at Granddad’s was always special. He would move the overstuffed chairs in
front of the fireplace so he and I could enjoy its warmth while we read stories, sipped
eggnog and ate delicious holiday cookies as Christmas music played on the radio. We
decorated the tree with beautiful blown glass ornaments and tons of silver tinsel, and
then I’d hang my stocking on the mantle for Santa to fill. To add to the magic we’d
turn off all of the lights so only the fire and the soft glow of the Christmas tree lit the
room.
I can still see Granddad’s living room in my mind’s eye; except for Christmas, it was
never re-arranged and was always immaculate. The furniture was kind of old
fashioned, but soft, and oh so comfy. A round card table by the couch always held the
never-empty bowl of mixed nuts and a jigsaw puzzle. I worked on the puzzles either
with Granddad, alone, or with my friends. Every Christmas Santa brought a new
puzzle to add to our collection.
The Christmas I turned eleven three of my girl friends and I decided to shop at
Portland’s newly opened Lloyd Center shopping mall. I asked Dad if I could take the
bus and spend the day shopping for Christmas gifts. Along with his permission, he
gave me $7.00 to spend; at the time it seemed like a million dollars. With care and a
little luck, my money held out and I bought presents for everyone and even had
enough left over for hot chocolate and donuts at the Hole-in-One donut shop, as well
as the bus ride home.
Lloyd Center was a wonder at Christmas time. The crowning of the Lucia Bride, which
was a part of the Swedish Christmas celebration, was held at Lloyd Center. The lucky
girl was crowned with a coronet of candles in the skating arena near the huge fir tree
which was brought in every Christmas. The outdoor rink was packed with brightly
dressed skaters who twirled and glided to festive tunes. Christmas music played on
speakers throughout the entire outdoor shopping center, and carolers from schools
and churches brightened the atmosphere on cold, cloudy, and rainy days. Lloyd
Center was not covered then, so one had to bundle up to handle the weather and rush
between covered areas to keep dry. The hustle and bustle was infectious and
exhilarating and I’m sure even Scrooge would have smiled at the scene. In the sixties
the holidays just weren’t complete without a trip to Lloyd Center.
Every year at this time the holiday rush
can seem too fast, too overwhelming.
Sometimes it's nice to just stop, allow
yourself a little quiet time, and remember
the good things...
can seem too fast, too overwhelming.
Sometimes it's nice to just stop, allow
yourself a little quiet time, and remember
the good things...
Shared by Felix Perry
| Tell Me By Leann Marshall Close your eyes, my love Feel the cold upon your face How doth Winter sound? "Peace adorns the hills They wear a cloak of wood smoke Filled with whisperings And when the moon’s up Silence reigns upon this place Til it be morning..." Open your eyes, Love See the glory of the day What doth Winter say? "Horses pulling sleighs Bringing loved ones here to us Precious as heartbeats Light so bright on white I can hear it just the same Snow sings as it falls." |