2,017th Christmas – still filled with love.

I and many have noticed that people seem to be feeling good saying Merry Christmas in public again. That’s good.

I don’t like the new Press Secretary. Sean Spicer. He’s not funny. Much too defensive.  We need a little humor at 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue. A few honest laughs will help get a nation trough a lot discontent, manufactured and real.

I’m white. I’m a male. I’m not angry. I never thought much of anger. It gets in the way. Understanding is much better.

Well, here we are, on the verge of Christmas once again. Wow! The stockings are filled, hung out with care, with the hopes that our family soon will be here. Of course, I believe in Santa Claus. Why wouldn’t I. Every year I get these magnificent gifts of love, twinkling in the eyes, and hugs. Every year I feel the shivers, imagining those heavenly hosts above a shepherd’s field singing out “Hark the herald...” I see the light that brightened a night sky. That pure light of love that has been passed down through the ages in the hearts of people -- love to share, to inspire to comfort.  

And then, there is eating, There is so much good stuff passed around the Christmas dinner table, it is hard to find room on plates, much less stomachs. Much of the array are traditions passed down through the generations. Of course, it is all accompanied by choruses of oohs and aahs! The centerpiece is meat, except on those tables where hungry eyes may be focused on a large roasted Cauliflower. A true traditionalist may like a roasted goose perhaps, but more often we see turkey or beef or pork or ham. A crown roast of pork stuffed with wild rice is a sumptuous celebration meal. My personal favorite is a prime rib with Yorkshire pudding (That’s popover dough soaked in beef drippings.) That is a heart stopping delight – literally. It seems as though that the trusty, succulent tenderloin roast has become a new staple on many tables. Many recommend cooking beef on high heat, especially the tenderloin (425 for 45 mins to temp reading of 145 for med rare; let stand for 15-20 mins before carving). While tenderloins are super “Tender” the flavor needs to be enhanced. Everybody probably has a favorite rub. Some would be as simple, and perhaps perfect, as extra virgin OO with S&P. Another would be a Rub mix of dry mustard, garlic, garlic salt, onion salt and pepper. And this roast of kings and queens is not bad topped with bacon strips. I like serving it with béarnaise sauce or a red wine based brown sauce. So, when that plate of wonders is set before you, and your eyes can’t decide which to eat first, sit back a moment and think of all those who are seeing far less on their plates if anything at all, and make a little vow to give, and accept, throughout the year.

And no, S&P is not Standard and Poors!

Everything that some say isn’t real, lives in the goodness of people.

How can something never end?

Nothing has been so simply stated so well as the message of Linus in the Charlie Brown Christmas. Each year I try to come up with something new, a better way to wish you all the merriest of Christmas’s. Creativity is great, unless something is already perfect, like this:

Linus walks out onto the center of the small stage.

“I can tell you what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown” Linus turns and begins,

 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

    And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

    And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

    For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

    And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

    And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

    Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men."

    "...That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

And, that’s about all I have to say for today. Have the best and merriest, E-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y!!