Christmas: ‘Bah, Humbug’ or ‘Ho, Ho Ho?’
Christmas just three weeks away – impossible.

What happened to November, or even September and October? Gone in a swirl of leaves, and replaced by a blanket of white that came too early and has already stayed too long.

As always, the approaching holidays find me behind schedule – far, far behind as a matter of fact. It seems like every year Christmas comes more quickly, while I become slower and slower.

Wayne says that speed is not the issue; it’s more a matter of trying to cram too many things into a schedule that is already bursting at the seams. He’s probably correct – as much as I hate to admit it.

Whatever the case, getting into the spirit of the season seems more difficult than usual this year. Maybe the super cold temperatures we’ve been experiencing the past few weeks have frozen the part of my brain where all the "good will and cheer" reside – it’s definitely frozen my fingers and toes. Brrrr.

There have been several events that have brightened my Scroogish attitude, however, thanks to beautiful grandchildren and other family members.

We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving in Charlevoix – even a gale off Lake Michigan and blinding snow couldn’t diminish the joy of seeing Jack blow out candles on his Thomas the Train birthday cake that was expertly decorated by dad.

Two years old – that really seems impossible.

Big sister, Ella, helped, of course. At three and a half, she still has control over her brother – most of the time. My guess is that will change by next March when she blows out candles on her #4 cake.

Actually, Jack already is showing signs of "taking charge." He made that quite clear playing on the new train table that dad built for the birthday that featured all things "Thomas."

The following weekend was also fun time with the ‘local’ set of grandchildren. Caleb is really, really into Santa this year – the annual visit with the ‘Man in Red’ at Brigg’s Library brought lots of smiles, and a touch of awe, to his three-year-old face.

He loved ‘jingling’ those library bells, too.

Thankfully, Gwendolyn still believes in the magic of Santa – although at age seven, the times are limited when she will whisper Christmas wishes in the ear of Saint Nick. That thought really struck me during our visit. This may be the last time I get to see my lovely, firstborn grandchild sit on Santa’s lap.

Hopefully, she will always believe in the magic of Christmas long after her visits to Santa have ceased.

Grandma has taught her that, I think.

Another bright spot in a cold November and December is the enthusiasm of folks who are enjoying the book that I worked on with Dave Collins. Downtown: the History of St. Johns has been well received – my thanks to everyone who has purchased a copy and had kind words for its contents.

As the title suggests, the focus of the book is on the downtown business district – an area that has become very familiar for Dave in the past few years. The concept for the book originated from a broadcast that he produced for WKAR-TV. That process led to the collection of many, many photographs and assorted information about downtown St. Johns – much more than Dave was able to use in the mini-documentary.

So… why not use the material in a book? The upcoming Sesquicentennial year for the city of St. Johns seemed like a perfect opportunity for a historical publication – and the book was born.

Copies of Downtown are available at the Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum; a majority of proceeds from book sales are being donated to the Museum. Order forms and sample copies of the book are also available at Brigg’s Library, the Treasure Chest, Always Charming and St. Johns City offices.

Downloadable order forms and information are located on the Indy, as well as at the Sesquicentennial web site, www.stjohns150.com and Museum web site – or you can email your truly at rdedyne@charter.net