Thursday, December 8, 2016

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
 
 
 

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