Merry Christmas!

lestie3
Oct 2
3 min read

12/21/23

My dreams of the night faded as the smell and sound of bacon sizzling in the cast iron skillet on the gas stove aroused me from my slumber that frozen December morning. The bed covers were warm and inviting, but the smells from the kitchen beckoned. Sitting up on the edge of the bed, I stretched and considered what the day would hold. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I prevailed upon my body to wake to the morning activities.

Mom occasionally spoiled us with pancakes topped with butter, syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. These delicious fluffy bites coupled nicely with bacon, ham, or sausage. A glass of milk, juice, or coffee (for Dad and Mom only) was also served up. Feeding three kiddos was a constant effort on Mom's part. In those days, seems we went through gallons of milk per week.

It was the Saturday before Christmas. I stopped long enough to inhale the pine scent of the freshly cut Christmas tree in the living room on the way to the kitchen. There is something so nostalgic about that smell. We had these two candles that were burned only for the Christmas season. They lasted well into my teen years. I believe they were scented as bayberry and pine. If I close my eyes now, I can still smell them.

All five of us had taken part in decorating the tree Dad had chopped down for us a few weeks earlier. Our record player played traditional Christmas songs in the background as we gathered for the yearly event. Some of the ornaments had been passed down from years ago. Some were specially hand-made ones we kids had crafted. The colored lights twinkled and gave off a bit of warmth for the season. I loved to watch Dad put the tinsel on with such care. Mom was a master designer at gift wrapping, always done with precision and beauty.

This was a time of year we all looked forward to. In years past, we gathered with as many family members as possible for Christmas day. But as we got older and families spread further apart in miles, we began making our own family memories.

"Tis the season for hot spiced cider and warm, cozy socks," Mom said, giving me a good morning hug.

"Oh! Are you making hot spiced cider today," I asked with excitement. This was also a tasty treat for the season. Suddenly, my senses were awakened completely. "Can I help?"

"Of course, you can. Why don't you get the crock pot out and plug it in while I fetch the ingredients."

The season of rest that winter invited also brought warmth, partly made possible with a mug of hot spiced cider. I count my blessings when I think about special moments like this with my family. I treasure the memories bound in the time capsule of my youth.

I'll think of you this Christmas as I sip a mug of hot spiced cider for tradition's sake. I will say a prayer for you too, that you will be filled with God's everlasting love, that it will abundantly spill over into all areas of your life. And I will express to the Father how incredibly grateful I am that you are in my life.

Merry Christmas, my friend,

Lestie

These are the events past and on the near horizon:

1. Fingers crossed, but I believe both the black & white and color paperback versions are available now for purchase on Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Can I get a Hallelujah?

2. I am currently working with the eBook formatter. With my workbook style, it requires a flowable format. It seems this is trickier than you'd think. Once I have that added to Amazon, I'll let you know because I'll be posting a limited-time sale.

3. I am excited for 2024 as I am already planning my next publishable pieces. If you have a friend who might enjoy my monthly musings, please send them here.

4. If I don't see you before New Year's Eve, I want to wish you a happy and prosperous new year.