We don’t need a
calendar to tell us it is December, although we do need a snow shovel. Lucky
for me I pulled it out of the garage a few weeks ago. I even tied a red ribbon
around it to make it more festive for winter and in case I dropped it in the
snow.
Thanksgiving,
as folks say, is in the books. I am not sure I like that expression. I guess it
is true though. It was a whirlwind for us…so much so that now it is over, I
just contemplate the beauty and fun of Thanksgiving. This year, once again,
Aaron and Rachel hosted Thanksgiving with the blending of both families. With
so much food (from such good cooks), there was barely room for all of us, but their
house is big so we did have room to spread out. There was food and merriment
and frivolity with so much talking and conversations taking place in every
corner of the house. The food was so delicious, including a bonus jar of
perfectly simmered broth for the gravy. This was due to the generosity of my
editor, Mike. I stopped by the office to pick it up and I had to open the lid
to let out the scent. It was marvelous. The turkey was a hit although my cranberry
sauce came back home with me, never touched! However, nothing else came back
including my fabulous apple pie, mashed potatoes and corn casserole. I only filled
my plate once as, well, the plates were giant and that was all I could handle
on that day. The Charleston family stayed home so we were minus the six of
them, and I missed them so much, but I understand.
Santa came to
Angola and lots of other small towns this weekend, and lucky for him there was
plenty of snow to make his escape back to the North Pole as he tries to keep up
with the elves in the toy making department. I love being part of that night in
my sweet town. It really is a family affair as Rachel and Graham make their
once-a-year appearance as elves and kept the line moving. It was a cold night,
but no one seemed to complain as the night itself was completely magical. Mayor
Martin did the countdown and threw the magic fairy dust upon the square, and
all the lights came on. The crowds cheered and clapped. I stood back to watch,
as I often do. I love watching the joy spread throughout. I love watching
parents and grandparents doting on their children.
As quickly as
the square filled up, it became silent when Santa left for the North Pole, the
elves quietly going back to work, and everyone going home to hot cocoa and
Christmas movies. I guess I was almost the last to leave. With one last look, I
too went home for heat and cocoa.
With the
impending weather, my Florida family, Adam and Lisa, headed out a day early. It
was the right call for them. With the pumpkins still adorning my front steps,
and a shovel with a red ribbon, the snow began in the night and through all the
next day. I can say it was lovely as I could just stay home and, yes, drink the
hot cocoa and watch those movies.
Late on Sunday
night the magical Christmas fairies came to plow and shovel me out. Melissa and
Colt Farnham arrived with Cody to do the work. When everything was perfect,
they drove off as if in a sleigh and to their team gave a whistle, “Merry
Christmas to all,” I hollered out after them. It was almost dark when they
left. Time to light the candles and heat up the leftovers. It is not lonely or
quiet in this old house. The floors creak and the furnace hums gently into the
night. The sound of all their voices echo through each room from Thanksgivings
past, present and even on into the future.
December is
here. With it comes the last full moon of the year. You can see it tomorrow
night…known as the cold moon of winter. Time to settle in as the story goes,
“Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap had just settled our brains for a long
winter’s nap…” by Clement C. Moore.
We welcome sparkling,
lovely December with open arms, and even though I am holding tight to those
pumpkins, I am ready!
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