The Spirit of Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas, Santa had returned home yesterday after his world wide tour. First order of business was feed the animals (an extra scoop of oats for a job well done). Santa then took a long hot bath soaking the aches and pains of an old man from his bones. Finally after eating some of Bubba's venison jerky and hot cider Santa slept. Santa had that tired but joy filled feeling of many years of HoHoHo'ing and too many cookies and too much milk

This morning Santa awoke to the aroma of fresh brewed Columbian Coffee and the sound of Buckwheat cakes sizzling on the griddle. Warm Maple Syrup from Santa's Amish pals in Southern Ohio caressed each cake. The ice cold Florida Orange Juice from the Seminole Indians was the perfect enhancement to this meal. Mrs Clause was humming as she bustled around the kitchen.... The old gal always was happy when they entertained and tonight Santa's baby brother Bubba was coming for stew and biscuits, the cheesy kind Santa loved. Santa's Holiday Blue feelings were strong but he pulled on his happy face and began his day.

Santa had a meeting with the Elves this morning. It was an annual affair to share his gratitude of a good year and give them a few days off before beginning next year's production. The meeting began with the traditional story telling of Christmas past. Santa retold the story about the year his baby brother, Bubba saved Christmas (Y'all can read that story @ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/465614/bubba_saves_christmas.html?page=2&cat=7 ) Casper, the leader of the Elves told of Santa's First Christmas. (read that @ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/465670/santas_first_christmas.html?cat=49 ) The stories brought giggles and tears of joy that were overwhelming to most of the elves. Just as the official meeting was just beginning to roll, a Christmas miracle happened a day late....

Flying into the room came a golf ball followed by a man dressed in Army fatigues singing "Thanks For the Memories..." The room fell silent. Everyone knew Bob Hope had passed over to a better life...what was this all about??? Before anyone could speak another golf ball flew into the room. A man in a Santa suit strolled in crooning "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas..." The eyes of the Elves were wide open now... Bing Crosby was gone too, and yet here he was singing. There was a rumble of marching feet that filled the room. Men and women clad in the Marine Corps dress blues marched in and stood at attention in front of Santa's chair. The yelp of those old coon dogs filled the silence of the room. Bubba Clause had arrived in his normal crazy style. Bubba winked at Santa and stood with proudly with the Marines. Mrs Clause came quietly and stood in front of all these folks...

Santa stood and asked "Sweetheart what's this all about?" Mrs Clause looked over her spectacles and spoke almost in a whisper "Old man for once in your life would you sit down and listen!" Through the door floated the Christmas Angel. The room was filled with an aura of love and happiness.

"I have been sent by the Higher Power of Love. I have been told to extend a special Thank You to you folks that represent Christmas to so many. You Santa began the Spirit of Christmas in your special way of giving with love. Bubba You have spread a new style of love with examples of kindness. Your special Motto "Laughter is the carbonation of Love." has become a household phrase. Bob and Bing have brought Christmas music and laughter to places we angels were not allowed to go. You men and women of the United States Marine Corps have taken Santa's spirit enhanced with Bubba's love and made it an example of your lives. Because of the Marine Corps Faith all the places where Bob and Bing sang and danced we angels are now welcome. Some of those places even ask for our help now!"

Santa stood tears streaming down his face. Bob and Bing were speechless. The United States Marines however stood at attention and in unison spoke "HooRah! Semper Fi!!!" The room was filled with a blinding light and a deep bass voice spoke..."You have done a great thing, continue on!" The United States Marines all thought it sounded like a great Admiral. Santa and Bubba thought it sounded like their father. Bob, Bing, and the Angel just smiled they knew who it was.

Things slowly returned to the routine. The Elves made toys, Santa checked his list, Bubba continued to inspire examples of love and kindness. The United States Marines continued to walk tall and live their belief in God, Santa, Bubba, and Country. We all know there will be another Christmas and most likely another war. Thank God for Santa, Bubba, Bing, Bob, the United States Marine Corps and the examples they give us all... Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.