Children. They are just amazing. Sometimes on my early deliveries, I may come across a child who is still preparing to get to sleep. I remember little Maggie, she was four years old and had just gotten a new baby sister, who she had to share her room with. Peeking in through the door, I could see her leaning over the crib and hear her talking to her. “They say you’re a gift from God, tell me quick while you still remember, what’s he like?” This Christmas take some time to look at the world through the eyes of a child. You might be surprised to find what you have forgotten. Be the Santa in You. Merry Christmas.

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donder and Blitzen. You know his name is Donder not Donner. Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen. Dasher is simply fastest in the short run. He troubled me with many a chase when I first worked to put the reindeer in harness. Prancer was the most beautiful with his flowing white mane. And he walked as if he knew it. Vixen was spirited and spritely although she can be fierce with her nipping bit putting any of my team in place if they crossed her. Comet I named because he would explode through the herd, ramming and throwing any challengers with his magnificent antlers. Cupid because he was so obviously in love with Vixen, and any other female reindeer he happened across for that matter. And of course Donder and Blitzen which means thunder and lightning because they were inseparable and also because they were the power that pulled the sleigh. What does your name mean? I bet there is a story or meaning that makes it special just like you. Merry Christmas. (Sing rudolf the red nosed reindeer.)

Traditions. You know what it takes to make a tradition? Repetition! If you do it twice you can call it a tradition. I love traditions. All over the world people have different traditions for this time of year. Some people string lights upon their houses. Which makes it easier for me to land. Others put up glorious Christmas trees. Some people put on Christmas plays and pageants. Many gather in churches to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. It may be the only day they’ve gone to church all year long. One of my favorite traditions is Boxing Day celebrated in Great Britain and other counties around the world. Throughout the year these people keep a box by their front door into which they place their change from their pockets all year round. And on Dec. 26th the day after Christmas called Boxing Day they empty the contents of the box and give its contents to the poor. They give this money in thanks for all the blessings they have received throughout the year. This year be the Santa in you, start a new tradition, it is these traditions that connect us to our past. Merry Christmas.

There is a story. One of my most favorite stories. You probably know it. It was late in the year, coming upon Christmas and a young married couple had no money to get each other presents. The husband had a pocket watch that he cherished beyond any other trinket and the young wife had long shiny hair that she took great pride in. The wife wanted so badly to get her beloved a silver chain for his pocket watch that she cut off her long beautiful hair and sells it in order to buy her husband this gift. Rushing home she runs into her beloved who is struck by the sight of her hair. Before he can say a word she makes him unpack his present. When he sees the beautiful chain he laughs and passes her a ribbon and wrapped gift. Inside was a set of silver comb brushes for his beloved’s long, lustrous hair. “I have traded my hair for a chain to your watch.” to which he replied. “I have traded my watch for a brush for you hair.” Laughing they embraced, It is said that they were the wisest of many. It is said they had the gift of the magi. Merry Christmas.

(Whistling Deck the Halls) There was a little girl who wanted to whistle. All day long she would walk around huffing and puffing. “What are you doing?” Her brothers and sisters asked, “Why I’m whistling.” “You’re no bird,” her brothers and sisters teased, “you’re not even making any sound.” But she went about her day huffing and puffing . “What are you doing her class mates would ask.” “I’m whistling,” she would say. “You’re silly,” they teased. “We don’t hear anything.” One day the little girls mother came up on her crying. “What’s wrong?” the mother asked. The little girl took in a huge breath puffed out her cheeks and giving a blow gave a whistle clean and clear. Then broke again into tears. “Listen to you!” the mother exclaimed, “you can whistle like a bird, why do you cry?” “Mama,” the little girl replied. “I was so close to quitting.” Remember to make your dreams come true, It may take a little huffing and puffing. Merry Christmas.