Trees, Eggnog and Elf

Hello All,

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! All of you know that from Halloween until New Year’s Day is my most favorite time of the year. There are three signs that herald my most favorite season – trees, eggnog and Elf.

Ahhh – the trees! As far back as ancient Egypt, plants and trees that remained green all year had special meaning. They were believed to keep away the evil spirits and illnesses. In many cultures, the evergreens served as reminders that the summer and green plants would return again. Christmas trees as we know them today started in Germany in the 16th century when people brought decorated trees into their houses. It is thought that Martin Luther first added lighted candles to a tree because walking home one night he saw the “brilliance of stars twinkling amidst the evergreens”. He wanted to recreate those moments for his family!

So hark! The trees start the season of joy! Bob and I started putting up Christmas trees at the same time I was putting candy in the bowl for the trick or treat festivities. We confused many youngsters when I opened the front door, and, lo and behold, there is the religious tree. Angels circling the tree and draping over the limbs. Crosses of all sizes and materials. Little churches with stained glass windows. And nurses! (Of course, you knew nurses were angels, didn’t you? Perhaps minus our often colorful vocabulary and our wicked sense of humor!) The winter and cat tree is now up. The Santa tree is almost done. The travel tree – which stays up all year long (and has to be dusted every now and then) – can now be lit. We only have 13 or 14 more trees to go! (At the rate we are going, we will still be putting them up after Christmas! Which we have been known to do!)

Once that first ornament is hung, then the search begins…..for eggnog! Southern Comfort Vanilla Spice Flavored Eggnog to be exact (which is actually non-alcoholic – and this sounds like a commercial for it – whoops!). Starting at the end of October, it becomes an all out hunt for me to find it. Bob knows the day I do because I announce as I enter the house that the season has officially started! Then we must keep the refrigerator stocked with it until, sadly, they stop making it!

Then it is time for Elf, my most favorite Christmas movie. It is quite true that this movie was never considered for an Academy Award. It is not everyone’s favorite either, but it is mine. There is just something about the innocence of Buddy the Elf – his sense of wonder – his belief in Santa – his affinity for the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup – and his love, even when tested, for his fellow elves and people. It is his declaration that “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” I already have the Christmas radio station on in my car, and I am singing quite loud!

My three signs. You have yours too – the moments and/or things that trigger the spirit of the season – that serve as reminders of the blessings in our lives – and that prove the power of faith and love for our fellowman.

My life goal – to be like Buddy and “Treat every day like Christmas.”

Phyl