I’m a memember of AI, so I applaud your resolution in that direction. At Christmas, my gifts are for my wife and children and other members of our family. I have it as a tradition that I give to family especially at Christmas.

But this year we had a fortunate visitor who happened to stop by, just before we served our traditional family dinner. He was welcome, of course, and was all the more welcome when he accepted a place at our dinner table, albeit on-the-spur-of-the-moment.

For me, though, children are always important at Christmas:

Christmas for All

On the nights before Christmas as Christmas draws near,
When the family grows gracious most gracious and dear,
There’s an everywhere twinkle which dazzles the sight,
Of a tinsel-like crispy-white starry-bright light.
A resinous scent of fresh pine fills the senses,
Each limb on the Christmas tree yields and relaxes,
And mystery percolates places routine,
As the feelings of loving and giving run keen.
Then the home becomes cluttered quite littered with joys,
With loose ribbons and wrappings and colourful toys,
With fine shreds from the Christmas tree’s glittering shawl
For the children who make Christmas Christmas for all.

Best wishes
from Middle-earth

And Maria, you should definitely download the Moth podcast. Great stories every week. Hope you’re having a wonderful Christmas with family…can’t wait until you get back to TO! I missya!

And thanks for pointing me to The Moth - had no idea it existed. I’ll hopefully make a show when in NYC in February.

A very happy Christmas to you and your family.

xoxo