I must apologize that I have taken these once every year letters for granted. In past years, I would usually ask for something crazy like a new gaming console or one of those new Ford Broncos that we might see some time in the next year. I also usually end up being very satisfied with socks, underwear, and if I’m lucky, some chocolate. However, I will not turn down the new gaming console or a Bronco if you have extra ones lying around that can fit in your sleigh with everything else that you’re carrying this year.
If I can be honest, I am much more appreciative of the simple gatherings with family and conversations with loved ones this year with everything going on. I realize that, like socks and underwear, we might have taken these times together for granted. Having family gatherings with pie, pound cake, and wassail was a forgone conclusion for the last forty-plus years of my life. I can fix a pound cake and wassail and even have my grandmother’s recipe. Unfortunately, they never taste the same as they did at her house. I miss those days sitting in my grandfather’s orange leather living room chair opening Christmas gifts. I’m sure you remember the one I am talking about, it was orange! Not a unique shade of Brown, it was ORANGE. And I loved it. If you have a way to recreate those memories, would you please permanently add that to my list. I feel a little humbled to need to include these family gatherings on my list, but they mean more now than they ever have.
I also realize that the fatigue of fighting Covid-19 over the past year has left all of us a bit tired and grumpy. As you know, communities are fighting over masks, politics, and vaccines, and our community is no different. I am sure that these are well-meaning people, and I would hope that you exercise some grace when deciding which of these fine people have met the threshold to be included on your naughty list. I do have faith in our people, even the ones I can’t entirely agree with, and I will vouch for each of them. If you have some special magic that might minimize our frustration with this mess, something that will make us more neighborly, I would like to add it to all of our Christmas lists.
Finally, I would like to let you know that I have already received far more than I deserve, so if you need to use the space on your sleigh for someone else, I certainly understand. I will not take this as a slight. But, if you feel the need to bring me socks, t-shirts, or underwear, remember that I am a bit of a stress eater, and you might want to go with a size larger this year.
Best wishes and stay healthy,
Todd Trantham
Empty Your Cup... 