Cookie Jar Sweet Memories Plus: Christmas

Day 12

 

“Daddy! Bring us a ‘surprise’---Pleeease!...and,

he would bring us a cup of Kool-Aide with

either a piece of cheese or bologna

 

 

Yuk! Oh! No! Not---that! Bedtime!  A kid’s worst waking nightmare! Worse than a…bath!

I empathized with my children---some say…too much. I just never forgot being “a kid”!

Almost as painful as the dreaded last call for “beddy-bye” was the intrusive “dinner” call.

Seemed that every time I was involved in some grand event trying my best to create an adventure out of it, Mom would yodel, “Supper”! “Drat!” Another episode delayed.

So, when my progeny came along, I just naturally understood their thought processes and, also, quite naturally, sympathized with them. Part of that truth, at least, is: I still hate bedtime!

Each night, after Nanny scolded, threatened, cajoled and finally laid-down-the-law, for the very last time, I’d reluctantly relent and tell our wards the fatal words: Bed time! Get!

Then, I came up with a scheme to advance the sentence for another half hour---a…Surprise!

Nanny would get the rambunctious rascals herded into bed, they’d say their night prayers, she’d turn off the lights and say “Good night!”

A few minutes later---enter Daddy…stage “saved”.

Raiding the refrigerator, I’d rustle up two cups of Cherry Kool-Aide and a piece of cheese or bologna and head for the girls’ bedrooms. Beth would already be off to slumber land  but awoke easily enough for her “snack”; daughter Becky seemed to expect the distraction---she was awake.

Nanny caught on---quick enough! She couldn’t fault the girls; she wouldn’t even try---me.

Soon, Beth caught on; no more quick “sandman” heavy eyes; Becky had it down “pat”!

To soothe Nanny, I finally made a joke out of the whole charade. As Mom turned off the lights for the night duration, I’d decree in “Royal” fiat: Your surprise tonight---is..No surprise!

To this faux admonition, I’d get excited giggles as the girls awaited my return with the “goodies”; Nanny just shrugged at her “little” boy’s irreverent recalcitrance. Boys will be boys!

Each night, for years on end, we played our little game of bedtime “No surprise!”

I know and fully understand why parents spoil their children---its great fun to show…Love!

You know? I might one day just openly confess to my “practiced” little boy transactions!

Sure has been a wild ride---fun…no wonder I really believe that I am: Santa Claus!

 

Ah! Cookie Jar Sweet Memories!

Plus:

 

 

Christmas Eternal

 

Yonder midnight velvet pierced by gleaming white-bright star

Comes salvation, rustic stable manger, kingdom not afar

 

Softly fallen glow reflects on humble newborn baby’s face

Receive His heavenly blessing, accept our Holy Spirit’s grace

 

Little girls dream magic life where enchanted princess dance

Boy sails emerald crested Irish Sea to beckon sweet romance

 

There be I just southward of high sun at noon

Slight distant shadow westward  of opaline full moon

 

Could only I in small measure save one innocent loving tender child

Would I then shelter fearsome storm to proclaim dark day quite mild

 

His word His deed example guide for Christian life invited sanction

“What can I do?” hollow offer be, without perform thou holy action

 

He has already loved me more than His own human life

Undeserving respite from defeated rampant savage strife

 

But rather joy as I with purpose announce exotic other

Loving family circle embrace this Infant, Father, Holy Mother

 

Pristine snow shall melt then fade, destiny fulfilled when it did start

Survive eternal truth and love through Jesus’ own sweet precious heart

 

Innkeeper to rough lodging sent holy Savior he did not know

Sees you Christ as judgement waits - Is it He whom you do show?

 

“Why can’t everyday be Christmas?” queried crooner gospel king

Oh! But it is for each who makes it so. I pray, you hear His angels sing

 

Merry Christmas 2008

 

Carl and Candy