12 Comments

I read this twice, I loved it so much. My Christmas memories so align with yours - it always snowed, didn't it? And because of the pageant at the Redeemer, the scent of the King's incense will always be the smell of Christmas. (I so wanted to be one of the angels in that pageant until I realized it would be hard to hold up my arms for such a long time). I had not heard about the penalty for glimpsing Santa! I wonder which girl terrified you with that one. But, you conveyed so poignantly the rift in your Christmases caused by your parents' divorce - not being in your real house, a fear about Santa instead of joy and wonder, the lack of your father's presence. As sanother reader mentioned, I love your portrayal of the star as intuition. I hope THIS Christmas brought you and your family joy. XO

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I can't remember who told me that...it was terrifying. I did love that service, when they lowered the lights—so poignant. And yes, it snowed every Christmas.

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Al, that was beautiful, and I remember it all. It’s just so poignant how you put it in words.

🥰🥰🥰

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I never really realized that following the star is a metaphor for following my intuition – perhaps because I was raised not to follow my intuition! The details here were wonderful, especially the poisonous tinsel and the cunning glass ornaments.

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I don't think that's an official interpretation, just my own. Thank you.

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It’s a very good one, and it makes a lot of sense to me.

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I adore this, Al. Maybe you saw Santa so you could capture for us that feeling in childhood of believing and not believing, of fear and wonder.

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Okay, you made me cry. (thank you). And it's so beautifully told, it's like we're right there with you (so you are not alone). Wishing you a most Merry Christmas (with no one peeking in the window)!

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I’m back at 488 getting ready for the children’s service at Redeemer too now. It was beautiful. I was just talking with my cousin Joe Sands about it.

And I can picture both of the houses. A swim party at Rose lane. Dropping you at your grandparents house. Thank you Alice for taking me there.

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Just lovely. Merry Christmas

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Beautiful--Merry Christmas to you and yours ❤️

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Thanks Elissa, you too.

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