Christmas Memories

The wind is howling tonight and it reminds me of a night not that long ago.  We have a massive winter storm breathing down our necks and we’re expecting the power to go out.  Just like on Christmas night….

We arrived home on Christmas night in the midst of the wild wind and strange circumstances…a stray dog running around, a panel blown off the side of the barn and a pony busted through her fence but thankfully not too far away.  The girls were slightly sketched out to say the least.  And then the power started to flicker.

We live in rural Nova Scotia and it isn’t that uncommon for us to lose power in a storm.   We had flashlights out, candles lit and some of our battery operated Christmas decorations glowed warmly.  We were ready.   The generator was on stand by.

Of course the power went out.  At bedtime. { Every mother groans…} So, we grabbed a new Christmas gift, the latest book by Sheree Fitch called ‘Polly MacCauley’s Finest Divinest Woolliest Gift of All’ and headed up to Lena’s bedroom.  The air mattress was on the floor from Hannah’s sleepover on Christmas Eve in her sister’s room and Hannah had asked to sleep there again Christmas night.  We sat together on Lena’s bed, flashlight in hand, and started in.

It is a wonderful tale of a special little lamb and a sweet lady with a special project.  It was a tale of community coming together and a story of redemption.  It was a tale that spoke of familiar landmarks.  It was a tale of sadness and of joy, all wrapped up in one.  It read like Dr. Seuss in spots and in others I wanted to take notes.

We so enjoyed the book.  All of us, even the handsome Mr. Byrne joined us for it. The line that really seems to have struck a chord here is this, the line spoken from a ram to sweet Star, “I woolly woolly love you, Star.”  I’m finding this line written in the hand of a certain left-handed 8-year-old on little scraps of paper and dry erase boards.  It’s repeated with puckered lips awaiting a kiss, it’s spoken with a smirk and a snuggle.

That night, snuggled in close with my family, reading the book penned by a friend, by the light of a purple flashlight, no less, was the highlight of my Christmas.

Tell me, what was the highlight of your Christmas?

To be continued,

Lori