Christmas Visit

Yesterday I was invited to the TAG kid's Christmas party at school.  Since retiring in May, the adjust has been hard.  I am finally finding a new normal so going to the party was a real treat.  I really enjoyed being a part of all the energy those kids give off.  I've missed that.  I've missed the conversations with them and the intellectual challenges they gave me.  I laughed, I smiled and I felt warm inside.  It was a gift to be sure.

To: 24 From: Mom and Dad

Susanna Leonard Hill's Third Annual Holiday Writing Contest is here and I am participating  for the first time.
This one of my favorite family Christmas stories.  We still remember and chuckle.



To: 24

From: Mom and Dad

Christmas Eve and Dad was finally home.  

 “O.K. let’s open presents.”  I said.

“Now, Yettee give your dad a chance to relax.”  Mom followed him into our living room.

“Hurry up, Dad and get relaxed.”  All eyes were watching, waiting.

“I’m relaxed.”  He smiled.  “Let’s get this party started.”

Being the oldest, I got to open the first gift.   Steph handed me a gift with To:24 From: Mom and Dad. 

“Who is 24?  Mom?”

“That’s you. Instead of names, I used numbers. It’s my no peeker plan.”  Mom smiled.  “No one peeked this year did they?”

“No” we sang.

“Good.  Go ahead, Yettee.”

“Thank you mom and dad.”  I ripped the paper off.  Paints and paper.  “Thanks.  Tradell’s turn.”

“This one says 53.” Steph said.

“Let me see, that’s for Ham.” Mom checked her list.

“What about 2?”

“That’s Yettee’s.  Tradell..” Mom slid her finger down her list. “77 is for Tradell.”

Steph started looking through the pile for 77.

“Here it is.  To:77”

“Thank you.”  Tradell said as she opened a bottle of men’s cologne.

“ Oh my.  That’s for your dad.”

Mom studied her list.  “I have two  77s.  Number 5 is Tradell’s.”  Mom leaned back in her chair.

 “Found it.”  Ham popped up from behind the tree.

“Thank you.”  Tradell stared at a football.

“What is happening here?  I wrote down the name and number after I wrapped the presents. I lost the list for a while and rewrote some of it.  I know Number 89 is for Tradell.”

We all dove into the pile of presents.  This time Steph raised the gift in the air. 

 “Thank you.”  Tradell smiled, the Princess doll was hers.

“See it works.”  Mom smiled.  “Ham’s turn.  Number 1 for Ham.”

 “I always wanted a purse.”  Ham got up with his number 1 and danced.

“I’m next.”  Steph grabbed number 91.  “Yes, new spiderman pajamas.” 

 “My turn.”  I jumped up giggling.

“No, me.” Tradell giggled.

“I just don’t understand.  I thought it was such a good idea. Next year will be different.”

I hope not.

Grateful Dec.5

I am grateful for these three amigos.  They bring laughter and joy each time I look at them.

Grateful Dec. 4

Each day in December I am acknowledging the little things I am grateful for.
Today I am thinking of making time to visit with people who matter to me.  Being retired I am not around the people that I had spent 30 years seeing and talking to every day.  I took that time for granted now I am grateful for each moment I am able to spend with them.