When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things — not the great occasions — give off the greatest glow of happiness. ~Bob Hope

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RAOK:  Purchase some extra dog or cat food and drop it off at an animal shelter

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Il Divo - When a child is born
slide show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJFYtwiT92Y

[Sebastien:]
A ray of hope flickers in the sky
A tiny star lights up way up high

[Urs:]
All across the land dawns a brand new morn',
This comes to pass when a child is born.

[Carlos:]
A silent wish sails the seven seas
The winds of change whisper in the trees

[David:]
And the walls of doubt crumble tossed and torn,
This comes to pass when a child is born.

It's all a dream, an illusion now.
It must come true some time soon somehow
All across the land dawns a brand new morn',
This comes to pass when a child is born.
When a child is born.

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German Pancakes
extracted from https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/german-pancakes-2/
* The website has excellent instructions
6 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour
dash salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 Tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
As oven preheats, put the butter in an un-greased 9x13-in. baking dish and place in oven, just until melted. 
Place the eggs, milk, flour, salt and vanilla in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Pour batter into baking dish, over melted butter.
Bake, for 22-27 minutes or until edges are golden brown and puffy.
To serve, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar and syrup.
Try serving these with easy homemade cinnamon syrup

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Imagine my surprise when I got online about an hour ago and discovered yesterdays’ blog didn’t post!  I just got home from the library, and found the bare bones.  I will publish that, then move on to todays.  Merry Christmas everyone, don ‘t let the little things (like blogs not posting) drive y ou crazy! __ Marilee 

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The Faded Blue Blanket
~~ Fred Bauer

The most frightened shepherd that night was little Ladius, just ten. He cowered behind his three older brothers when the blinding star lit the hillside. When the angel appeared, he hid behind a huge rock.

Yet, after Ladius heard the glad news, fear left him, and he limped back to his brothers, who were planning to set out for Bethlehem.

"Who will tend the sheep?" asked Samuel, the oldest at sixteen. Ladius, leaning against his shepherd's crook to support a crippled foot, volunteered, "I'd only slow you down. Let me stay with the sheep." He wet his lip as he talked. The brothers weakly protested at first, then made plans to go.

"We must each take a gift," said Samuel. One brother chose his flint to start a fire for the Christ child. Another picked meadow lilies to make a garland for the king. Samuel decided on his most precious possession -- his gold ring.

"Here -- take my blanket to him," said Ladius. It was badly worn, a faded blue with patches.

"No, Ladius," said Samuel, tenderly. "The blanket is too tattered to give even a beggar -- let alone a king. Besides, you will need it tonight."

The brothers departed, leaving Ladius alone by the fire. He laid his head upon the blanket and buried his face in his hands. Tears forced their way between his fingers, but soon the hush of night soothed the boy's heartbeat. The world in silent stillness lay ...

"Are you coming, Ladius?" called a voice. Standing nearby was the same angel who had brought the news. "You wanted to see the child, didn't you?"

"Yes," nodded Ladius, "but I must stay here."

"My name is Gabriel," said the angel. "Your sheep will be watched. Take my hand, and bring your blanket. The child may need it."

Suddenly, Ladius was outside a stable. Kneeling by a manger were his brothers. Ladius started to call out, but the angel lifted a finger to his lips.

"Give me the blanket," Gabriel whispered. The angel took it and quietly covered the baby. But the blanket was no longer faded. Now it glistened like dew in the brilliance of a new day. Returning, Gabriel squeezed Ladius's hand, "Your gift was best because you gave all that you had ..."

"Wake up, Ladius, wake up!" The boy rubbed his eyes and tried to shield them from the glaring sun. Hovering over him was Samuel.

"Did you find him?" asked Ladius.

"Yes," replied Samuel, "but first tell me why you were sleeping without your blanket."

Ladius looked about with wonder. The faded blue blanket was nowhere to be found -- then, or thereafter.