Pondering Christmas, Classics, and Cars

It's oh so close to Christmas Day, and I am sometimes forgetful of it. Sometimes I'm in the "mood" and sometimes I'm not. I realize however that "mood" has nothing to do with the real reason for Christmas. For some great thoughts on that, check out my sister's post, "Seasons Thoughts".






Last night I finished reading an awesome Charles Dickens book, Little Dorrit. It was a great ending, for the most part, with the two main characters finally coming together. Arthur Clenham after all of his searching is to never know the past, but his future will be sweet indeed with Amy by his side. Unfortunately, the rest of it was all a little confusing. Dickens does have an annoying habit refraining from giving name to the characters he is speaking of in certain chapters, and you are left to work it out for yourself. Ah well.

Now I am left with the terrible choice of choosing a new book to read. Do I want to read a classic or a contemporary thriller? Sci-fi, or historical fiction? Christian living, or just a book of pure and fun fluff? It's tough, and Little Dorrit is an act that is tough to follow! Perhaps it's about time to actually read A Christmas Carol?

I have never taught anyone how to drive before, let alone how to drive a stick, yet that is exactly what I found myself doing this evening. Due to a rapid shortening of allotted time, my sister was eager to learn how to drive my car, so that it would be available to her on numerous occasions. So we set off together.  It wasn't too bad. I realize that I am certainly not the most qualified person to teach driving a stick, but since my own experiences are still relatively fresh in my mind, it made it very easy to feel great gushy gobs of sympathy for Georgie.

We both survived the episode, despite my unnecessary cries each time we jolted uncomfortably. Now I know what it's like to be a passenger when someone like me is driving! My car has certainly been an learning experience!

All in all, as I have heard several people mention before, December is going by in a flash, and before I know it the year will be 2012 A.D.  I am learning to put my trust in God, who will comfort and sustain me through any trials that may come.

Merry Christmas!

How To Keep Christmas Well

My New Coat!

We went shopping today.  We enjoy the walking part of it, plus I had a few dollars left on one of my gift cards from Christmas.  J.C. Penny's seemed like a nice place to shop, so we all hopped out of the van and eagerly walked through the doors.

What was one of the first things that attacked our eyes?  A rack of fabulous coats that were only $19.95! Now, in case you don't think that's an awesome deal, let me show you what kind of coats I'm talking about.

This kind.

I know it's a horrible picture, but when you're using a cellphone, what can one say?

And this one.

So yes, I bought one.  Do you want to know why?  I have several reasons.

• Originally, this coat cost $250.  No, I'm not even kidding.
• The price had been knocked down to $20.
• Remember that gift card I mentioned?  That knocked $13 of the price.

So, grand total for a $250, blue, wool coat?  $7.

I think I'm going to faint.






I have wanted a wool coat for ages now.  They have been popular for a few years, but each year I haven't been able to afford it, and practically speaking, this isn't the sort of coat you want to go sledding in.  I always opted for something more...well, like I said, practical.





But when I'm only put out by $7, how can one refuse?  I didn't.  Thanks Grandpa and Grandma!

Oh, Yes! Christmas is Coming!

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!  ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things - not the great occasions - give off the greatest glow of happiness.  ~Bob Hope

 I'll end with one slightly irreverent quote, but funny nonetheless:

Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall.  We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall, then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space.  ~Dave Barry