Catholic Family Vignettes

Merry Christmas! The days have been quite full, so posting has been light. Not to mention, I'm fighting the worst cold-cough and other-assorted-miseries! Nonetheless, the season of Advent was truly an Advent-ure and we will continue our celebration of the Christmas season until the Feast of Epiphany. We remind the children that Christmas is not over, it has only just begun!

During the past few days there have been a few strange happenings at home, one of which involves three very mischievous elves: Giovanni, Pierre and Seamus. Let me explain:

On December 23rd, Dad and Arthur had left for Louisville to pick up Elizabeth, and I took five of the children with me to the grocery store to pick up a few needed items. When we returned home, we were greeted at the door by a very excited teenager who told us a very interesting tale.

Since we were expecting company for dinner that night, the eldest daughter stayed home to tidy the kitchen. Armed with her MP3 player, a set of headphones and the volume turned up way too high, she proceeded to clean. She thought she heard a noise coming from the living room, so she removed her headphones. There was the sound of a scuffle, overturned furniture and then the slamming of the front door.

When she ran into the living room, everything was in disarray: magazines were scattered everywhere, the coffee table was overturned and just beneath the edge was a furry red and white cap emblazoned with flashing letters: Santa's Helper. In front of the Christmas tree were three very large bags tied with rope. A card was on top of one of them. Santa and his elves had paid a very early visit! The elves were very naughty and made quite an enormous mess of things, but given their task I can forgive them this time! Here is Santa's letter to the family:

Greetings from the North Pole!

My elves tell me that all of the children have been well behaved, but have also told me that all is not perfect in your new home. Gareth will lose another tooth sometime next year, but he must control his temper! Charlotte and Emily are to eat all of their dinner before asking for dessert. Last week, one of my elves, Giovanni, saw both of them jumping on the couch! Gawain needs to share the computer and video games with his siblings. Galahad's patience is improving and Arthur needs to put his pajamas on when he's told. Clementine has been a safe driver and a hard worker.

My scout elves, Pierre and Seamus, say that I won't make it down the chimney so please leave the door open again and get to bed early on the 24th. I would appreciate it if you could leave out some cookies and a shot of Scotch or Peppermint Schnapps.

SANTA CLAUS

Scotch or Peppermint Schnapps?! That sled must be pretty cold! God bless good old St. Nick and his elves. The children had a very happy Christmas! Here are a few pics: