My father loved Christmas more than anyone I have ever
known. He searched out the unusual and the beautiful for
my mother and the rest of the family. I will never forget
the Christmas when, after making my aunt shop with him for
mother, he surprised my aunt with a handbag she had been
crazy about. Her scream of pleasure made us all happy.

The gift buying, the hustle and bustle, the smell of Christmas trees and the secrecy are all dear to my heart.
I give my children and grand children money but they also
get a gift under the tree. Gift cards may be practical
but they just aren't fun.

The Christmas concerts will be coming up soon and I will
be looking forward to seeing the kids all dressed in their
best and playing their hearts out.

I have already have gotten two big surprises. The twins
came over and bought Ted and I each an ornament they had
made for our tree. I will cherish them. Then someone, and I am suspecting Fredo and/or Mike of sending one of
my favorite charities a gift in my honor. The card that
I got from Heifer Int. didn't say who made it so the
mystery is intriguing.

I won't be putting up my tree until after our party. There just isn't enough room in the dining room for a lot
of people and a tree. I decorated the ancient plant in
the family room though. It is nearly 40 years old and
getting awfully shabby but I am letting it live as long as
it wants to. It is assuming a twisted, Asian shape that
is quite interesting. It's leaves are sparse

Linda should be here on Christmas day and my little
family will all be together.