You know… things happen at the strangest times… and in the most surprising of ways.  Tonight, we all had settled in for the evening.  The family had been here all day, and we shared a wonderful Christmas Holiday.  My Mom, some siblings, and nephews.  We ate and ate.  And sang and sang.   And shared good stories about life.

Anyway… back to tonight.   When we got the dishes cleaned and put away… we decided to head off to bed.  It was quiet in the house.  I had my sleeping cap on.  We were beat.  The dogs were worn out.  Heck… even the mice were tired and I don’t think a single creature was stirring.  I am pretty sure I had started to dream about sugar plums… or something.  Maybe they were Ooompaloompas.

But nonetheless, I heard a noise out on the lawn.  I thought.  It was some sort of clatter.  When I checked it out… through the sash … it looked just like a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.  And wouldn’t you know….. old  St. Nicholas went right down the chimney and came out with a bound.

No milk and cookies.  Fresh out.  So I gave him some Reuben Dip and those little party rye breads.  It was either that or cheesy potatoes and green beans.  We had a lot of leftovers.

But low and behold, he asked what I wanted for Christmas.  And I told him exactly what I wanted.  “Love, joy, happiness, health, and peace, for my family and my friends.”

Now…. Kirk….my Sock Monkey had been praying to get a new puppy.  Well… Santa left him an “Elf on the Shelf” instead. What the heck?.  It seems that NOW…..  I have joined the ranks of the “Elf on the Shelf” Mothers.

But no matter..  And….. just then….. Old St. Nick winked, and put his finger on the side of his nose… and before I knew it… away he went.

As I look back on the day… I would have to smile from ear to ear.   A beautiful family… and friends… sharing throughout the day.  And of course…. my  happy little monkey with a new pal….. his Elf on the Shelf.  I’m not sure it gets any better than this.

So… with that I say….
Happy Christmas to all… and to all a Good Night.