Merry Christmas, Really

We just wrapped up a thoroughly delightful Christmas Eve spent with a new friend, nothing more than some delicious little dishes we whipped up this afternoon, a bottle of wine and some cocktails, and a bunch of dogs and cats enjoying themselves (we're dogsitting for two families this week). Throw in a roaring fire and the complete absence of anything resembling family obligations, and we're both quite content right now. Now I'm looking forward to a long night's sleep and several repeated viewings of "A Christmas Story" tomorrow on TBS.

Here's Schmoop enjoying the fire, and two of the cats enjoying their new gifts minutes after we put them down.




I think this song is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs I've ever heard. It's "The Gift" by Aselin Debison--I guess there are other versions, but I can't imagine they're even close. This girl has (or had when she recorded it) a beautiful pure voice, and she tells the story perfectly. Every time I hear it, it makes me cry a little. Not just because it's beautiful, but because I feel bad for the little girl Maria. I mean, this poor little orphan girl nurses this bird back to health, then offers it to the Baby Jesus on Christmas, and what does she get for thanks? The bird gets dragged up to heaven, and she's left alone, poor and by herself. Seems a little selfish of the Baby Jesus if you ask me. Least he could have done was mend the bird's wing and then let him go back to his friend Maria. Oh well, the song still beats that stupid "Christmas Shoes" song.