Thanks to *All* the Santas!

This Christmas, so far, has been more about family and friends, and love, than any in recent memory. The time spent is the greatest gift, and the laughter heard -- and the laughter shared -- is a beautiful soundtrack. Thank you, family! Thanks, too, for the one truly extravagant gift this year from Mom (and it's one that had dropped off my list of the past several years). She found rosewater soap, so beautifully packaged I'm almost afraid to use it. Key word? Almost! Thank you, all, for the many practical gifts (a shoutout to Beth for closing out the saga of the black pants) and a big thanks to Pete for driving over and attending church with me, then sharing a diner/family Christmas. Jackie, Richard and son Jeff outdid themselves with a warm, welcoming home and a feast for the ages, too, and I was so glad to be healthy enough to be there!! It was great to see so very much family (was happily surprised to see Gay, Rickie & Shelly), and amazing to get a chance to hoist up Chris & Jill's sweet toddler. "My girls" (godbabies) had fun with their little gift, and were gracious, gracious, gracious -- and my not-so-little nephew stayed up playing backgammon with me (and watching football with Mom). I cannot, and will not, ask for more!

Santa's Last-Minute Thoughts

I've just got one gift yet to pick up myself: the most fun one. (For a kiddo!!!!)

But, yes, there are a few items I simply forgot to put on my list. Too bad for me! One involved a promise I made to a high school friend (Angel -- yes her real name, a pediatric dentist) who thinks I should start using a WaterPik. If I am blessed with such an apparatus one I'll endeavor to try to use it, I promise, but I simply have no place to put it right now, and I have to pare down my routine to even get out the door.

I love my SpinBrush & use it almost half the time I brush -- the rest of the time I don't want to feel lazy or, frankly, lose the skill set! In terms of other personal care items, the only one I can't justify buying for myself is the Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Night rinse (the clear one!) It really seems to help!!

I was sorry to have missed Kurt Elling at school a couple of weeks back. Check out Karen Brundage-Johnson's Jazz Times review: Sounds like a warm, gorgeous night.

A Challenge on Gaudete Sunday

Please take a moment, if you choose, to read Cardinal Chaput's recent pastoral letter, to which I've linked. The words that follow are mine, not the church establishment's, although I welcome both on- and offline comment on either the pastoral letter or my own comments below.

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This Sunday in Advent we as Christians are called upon to rejoice. Some years that is more of a struggle than others. Catholics and non-Catholics, Christians and non-Christians alike are invited -- by me -- to read for themselves a pastoral letter which was read aloud in Catholic churches all over the archdiocese today. The letter was released by Philadelphia's recently installed cardinal archbishop on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8). In it, Cardinal Chaput sets a tone for the coming year in which, while supporting the dedication and fidelity of the priests in the archdiocese, does call for "careful scrutiny" in finances as well as in pastoral life.

I, for one, welcome all comment. I have certainly expressed in this blog my pain and disappointment over the erosion of trust and over the pain that has been caused to all concerned. Today I choose to not put blinders on, but to pray for the fidelity and the strength of all our clergy and to thank God for the priests and religious who have been there for me when times were tough. Now more than ever in a confused world we need not only strong hearts and willing souls to lead by setting a good example, but also critical but caring minds in all those who have the temerity to continue to practice their faith. We all need Wisdom. I hope the enormous good will to which Cardinal Chaput refers in his letter is a source of strength for those who will particularly endure the "burning out" of "complacency and pride" the bishop points to in the coming year.