One of my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs that I sing along to when it comes on my radio, is a song titles, “Here We Are.” Regarding today’s narrative, following the theme and pattern of the last three articles from the VFTB, the lyrics of Buffett’s song has really nothing to do with the theme of those articles, but the title fit the connected mini-saga of the four poem/essays of this year’s Christmas Season.

So, “here we are,” just a couple days from Christmas, and hopefully with many people in nightgowns and nightcaps, snuggled in their homes, wrapped in blankets, maybe looking at the dancing flame in the fireplace, or the flickering of a Christmas candle, or sitting in a semi-dark room with only the soft colors of the lights from the Christmas tree. Maybe we are enjoying an eggnog, or a hot chocolate, nibbling on a Christmas cookie, listening to some of your favorite carols of the season, or maybe watching Christmas Specials with the kids, then after they’re in their beds, turning it to TCM and catching Bing Crosby in Going My Way, or James Stewart in It’s a Wonderful Life, or my favorite version of Dicken’s tale, A Christmas Carol, sometimes advertised as Scrooge, starring Alastair Sim. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

I realize that it’s a little too idealistic to think that we can just sit around for the next two days and just eat, drink, and be merry, when there is so much to be done to make Christmas so special for our family and/or friends. The thing to remember is to make sure the work doesn’t take away from the solemnity of the season, the peace of the season, or the reason for the season. If things get too crazy, take a step back, take a deep breathe, take a few minutes for yourself, to recharge, and so you won’t, or don’t, lose focus on Peace, Goodwill, and giving the gift of ourselves to others, trying to make their lives a little easier, and a little more comfortable at this time of year.

In all that we do in this life, while we try to think of others, we forget that it’s okay to think of ourselves too, not in a selfish way, but in a way we can just reward ourselves for working hard and being there for others.

These next two days will seem like time speeds up at an amazing pace and there will be much on our plates, and things may happen that make us get nervous, or tense, or maybe even angry. At times this may cause us to lose our temper and maybe say something to someone that may be a little less than kind. Feelings may get hurt and then we may start to feel guilty, because it was the nervousness of trying to make things perfect, and timed perfectly. As the saying goes, “Don’t let this happen to you.”

When things get a little hectic these next few days, try and visualize the happy faces of those walking down the street, or sitting in that restaurant, or sitting in your home, or at your dinner table. Imagine hearing the laughter that you will hear from children in their excitement, or those sitting at the Christmas Dinner Table that will be emanating from those of all ages.

Imagine the excitement of those kids as they head to the tree on Christmas morning to see what Santa left them and then, when finding something with their name on it, tearing into the wrapping paper to find out what’s hiding beneath it. Pay special attention to the eyes, the smiles, the sounds resulting from surprise and excitement. Imagine different scenes of older kids, or that special person in your lives, another relative, friend, a boy/girlfriend, and/or a spouse.

We are sometimes very materialistic in our lives. We love our homes, our cars, our clothes, our phones, our trinkets, and any or all other possessions that make our lives somewhat happier. All that, though, are things that can be taken from us in some way, shape, or form. The mental pictures, the remembered sounds of special events, the memories we have stored in our minds and hearts are priceless, and can remain with us until we leave this earth, or may possibly fade due to age or health.

So, again, here we are, two days from Christmas Day. A wish from the VFTB, is that we all may remember more than the food, and the gifts. May we help those whose holiday may not be as merry as ours, and may we not be totally exhausted to enjoy the time spent with family and friends, as we remember the meaning and reason for celebrating December 25th.

Wishing a very, merry Christmas to all, “and to all good night.”