A night in Christmas Village....

The snow continues to fall outside tonight. It is cold but barely a breeze blowing. These are the perfect nights to stroll through the snow and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. The elves are all off for the next month except for a few who help me to manage the naughty and nice list. Let me tell you though, these elves have earned the break. Believe it or not though most simply stay around Christmas village and enjoy all of the wonderments it has to offer. Our theater continuously shows Christmas themed movies year round while the local diner offers a weekend karaoke night every Saturday evening. We will be strolling down there in a little while to spread a little more Christmas cheer by singing some all time hits. When I belt out "Here comes Santa Claus" I literally bring down the house every time. But for now I am sitting back enjoying my cocoa and some of Mrs. Claus homemade peppermint bark which is my favorite. A piece or two left on a plate for me come Christmas Eve will always bring a smile to my face and a glow to my cheeks. The closest to the Mrs. recipe can only be found in the Netherlands where the Dutch have always done wonders when it comes to chocolate. Historically the Dutch process for modern chocolate was developed in the early 19th century by Dutch chocolate maker Coenraad Johannes van Houten (always on the nice list), and his father Casparus is responsible for the development of the method removing fat from cacao beans by hydraulic press around 1828, which formed the basis for cocoa powder. These developments greatly expanded the use of chocolate, which had been mostly used as a beverage in Europe until that time. I am wandering now as I am sometimes known to do. But back to my cocoa, my peppermint bark and a song or two later. Until then, stay on the nice list......

Couple days after the big journey...

What a season it has been. I have just woken up from my long winter's nap after quite a journey this Christmas past. Though the weather in some areas certainly was frightful, the Reindeers kept the ride smooth and the new seat warmer in the sleigh built by crack team of elves made the ride quite delightful. I wish to say to one and all thank you so much for all of the cookies and treats and especially the celery and carrots left for the Reindeer. Prancer for one can not say no to a cookie or two or three or four. But then again, neither can I. HO HO HO HO. I was able to make a special stop this year in Walnut Creek to say a special hello to a little girl named Alyssa and her friends. The joy of Christmas shown bright on their faces and seeing the smiles they shared keeps the Christmas spirit warm and alive inside of me. To the families on Chestnut Street your houses were so beautiful and warm and inviting with lights so bright they brought a twinkle to my eye. On Gilham street this year in Eugene, you may have outdone yourselves. From high above the sky your lights showed me the way. Through the Black Forest we flew with traditions in houses old and new. In Napoli I did fly wishes I had been earlier for a slice of pizza pie. Perhaps next year, someone could leave me just a slice to tie me over. Above the Alps we flew and into some of the most beautiful Christmas scenes I forever will remember. The journey for me each Christmas Eve may seem long, but in an instant it is gone. I look back and smile and prepare for the next day as those memories bring smiles to me along the way. As I gaze out the window and the fresh snow sparkles new today, as the elves are skating or making snowmen along the way, just simply playing and enjoying this day. Perhaps this season I will take a short vacation to somewhere warm. Perhaps the Mrs and I will simply stay up here and just enjoy this brief break. Thank you all for the joy you have all brought me this Christmas and throughout the year. I will keep you posted and look forward to seeing you all again very soon.
Stay on the Nice List,   Santa Claus