These days, from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, have been rough, and beautiful in their least moments. Lots to do and so little time.
I’ve sat with literally hundreds and hundreds of children this year. The ones who make you happy, the ones who make you cry, all, in need, of Christmas time.
The little babies that are held for Mom and Dad to get a good picture of with Santa smiling. Those from two to ten, so full of life and wishes, so clean and happy in their remarks, requests, and their absolute fascination of their few moments spent, with this magnificent hero of books and reading, this happy fellow whose smile can genuinely light their world and create the feeling of being with someone who is famous, who knows the secrets that surround them, and can almost promise, that maybe, he can fulfill their dreams, if possible, with the one gift, that one thing that lies between their mind and their fingers, that seems to make their lives complete.
For you older children who are the parents, or the grandparents, or the great old uncle, or that kindly aunt that makes everything work when so little is there, who watch and grin, and take careful mental notes of each conversation the kids and the old bearded man may have, and who will decide, in reality, the gifts that will be given, decide well; for that one thing that Santa may bring, but hold all others that may be given, as tokens for their lives, that they share so freely, with you and their families, their loved ones, and their day to day life they must live.
So many can frost the cake with a little icing, but the cake itself is made with love, good feelings, safety, security,and made by those who love us dearly.
Merry Christmas
Ralph Peck
Photo by Ralph Peck
“The North Pole” at home in Claremore, Oklahoma
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