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Making Memories
Holiday memories are made by design.
In September:
Several months ago, I converted an old pair of jeans and a red flannel
shirt into a scarecrow. His pillowcase head and straw hat, placed low on
his brow, gave him the relaxed pose of a man in deep thought. Sitting on
the bench in our front yard, he reminded passers-by to slow down and enjoy
the season.
In December: Last
week I rehabilitated the sleepy fellow into one jolly old elf. Santas
pose remained at rest, with his feet on the bench and his eyes closed. As
I decorated the cedar tree next to him, a city employee stopped and
offered a few decorating tips. Looks like he needs a reindeer reading a
newspaper, he shouted. Or maybe a list of good boys and girls! His
enthusiasm spurred me on. After he left, I wrote the first names of all
the children and pets from our neighborhood directory and hammered the
sign next to Santa. A few gingerbread men, some wrapped gifts, and it was
done. Our front yard was officially
gaudy.
A right jolly Santa:
Now, families walking around the block stop to acknowledge Santas list,
including pets Cricket, Tex, and Katy. Children ride past on their bikes,
making sure their names are recorded for all to see. And minivans slow to
check out the North Pole scene. Its true that the garish display lacks
the polish of Rockefeller Center. But we are joyfully celebrating the
season with family, neighbors, and friends. And we are making memories.
If you have not yet added the holiday spirit to your front door, consider
sharing the joy of the season with those in your midst.
Add a little bit of who you are to the scene.
Be creative, eccentric, even unconventional. And in the process, you may
just be making a memory.
Mark, Chapter 12: Verse 31
Romans, Chapter 15: Verse 2 Galatians, Chapter 5; Verse 14
Note: If
you need a little help explaining Santa to young children, here's a letter
from the man himself that will do it for you. Click below:
A Letter from Santa
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