Dear Reader:

I think I might end up as one of those “crazy little old ladies” who do strange things at strange times in strange places. Going into Wakendaw Lakes yesterday to watch the grandchildren open their presents I drove past this bench, stopped, backed up, took a photo, and then parked my car on a side street.

I, then, strolled over to the bench, sat down, stared at the beautiful water and felt a sense of peace engulf me. I think there should be a time designated on Christmas Day  to pause and reflect on Christmas before continuing on with it. Stop the wrapping paper, the snowball fights, the laughter, the food, the drinks, the music, and on-going pine needle sweep-ups. Just stop and reflect that on Christmas Day 2016 we are alive, surrounded by caring, loving people.

* The only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been to hear bells ring out the song “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” I felt such a rush of good feeling towards everyone of us who share air on this planet, called Earth…and who share the same time and space as I do.

I took a deep breath and proceeded onto Mandy’s where the grandchildren excitedly waited for the rest of the family for Round 2 of Christmas….the family exchanges after Santa….topped off by Christmas dinner at Doodles. Blessings everywhere. Doesn’t Christmas Day, sometimes, seem to take on a life of its own…and we are just along for the ride. “I’ve learned the best thing is to “go with the flow” and let the joyous chaos ensue!

When I got home yesterday afternoon I wondered if there was a name for the day after Christmas….and I found one…from the British Isles- Boxing Day. This was the day that ‘everyday working people’ who performed services might expect a box with a bonus or gratuity in it for their favors or services throughout the prior year.

This custom is linked to an older English tradition: since servants would have to wait on their masters on Christmas Day, the servants of the upper class and wealthy were allowed the next day to visit their families. The employers would give each servant a box to take home containing gifts, bonuses and sometimes leftover food. 

The more I thought about this idea…the more I liked it. Wouldn’t it be special to receive a bonus or gratuity the day after Christmas? What unexpected pleasure it would bring?

So until tomorrow…Think of a small act of kindness you can do today…the day after Christmas?

“Today is my favorite day”  Here is a type of collage of family memories from Christmas Eve through Christmas Day 2016 of the family? Santa tracked Ady down to my house and did old Santa ever do good by Ady Grace…dolls, toys, wolf caps, art supplies…the list went on and on.

After Lachlan received his Paw Patrol uniform he was thrilled and Rutledge was sad…but then Rutledge got his commission to Police Captain and worked fervently all Christmas Day…making numerous arrests!

Captain Dingle was commissioned yesterday and spent it arresting people…even on Christmas Day….he’s a tough policeman! He could outrace you on his Captain America bike (always remembering to wear his helmet or chase you down…either way…he always got his man or girl or aunt.)

Jakie and Lahlan just had fun and were adorable…. On our walk Jakie went and plopped right down in a wooden manager scene and patted Baby Jesus on the head…saying”Little Baby!”

John and Mini-Me Jake

Catherine sent me this photo…it was Aunt Carrie’s turn to get arrested at Doodles. (Doodle, fabulous food and fellowship…as always thanks for for your generosity!) *Catherine and Carrie sang with Harvey at the Christmas Eve Service…just beautiful having only guitars to sing the carols by….so much more feeling.

Abraham Lincoln once commented that “You can’t please all the people all the time.” Murphy’s Law says you can’t get everyone turned the same direction and smiling in a family photo. *Policemen are under such stress today…it causes unexpected “melt-downs.”

• We all missed you Tommy and Kaitlyn….but I know you had wonderful Christmas! See you when you get back. Merry Christmas!

The girls stop for a pose…a memorable snaggle-tooth smile from Eva Cate.

Christmas has ended, pj time, dreams of

a wonderful day…the special day of magic that comes but once a year. Night Night and Merry Christmas!