Written by When I was a kid, I not only found it fascinating that Santa had a flying sleigh, but also that he could apparently slide down chimneys. This bit was probably the most difficult to understand and believe, but that’s exactly what made me want to believe it in the first place. It far for fun to believe in things that seem a bit impossible. To go down the chimney seemed easy enough, but I always wondered how he managed to climb back out. I imagined all sorts of possibilities including that his boots had jet pack thrusters on them so he could just zoom up and back onto his sleigh. Our house only has a gas firebox and no proper chimney, so Santa will have to use other means to fill our stockings on Christmas. Philippe announced to me today that we can wrap and put presents under the tree tomorrow, one day earlier than usual, so that was exciting. Then he quickly changed his mind and said, “well not all of them, but some of them.” Either way, it will be nice to finally have the visual of presents under the tree and the thrill of wondering just what might be inside those wrapped boxes!
As I type this, Philippe is burying the salmon we purchased. Not in the yard, of course, but in a mixture of dill, sugar, and salt for our annual gravlax. This, after preparing his foie gras, which will be the second appetizer on the menu come Christmas Eve. These two returning food stars often steal the show, but then it’s time for the guinea fowl and vegetables. Last on the menu will be my favorite bit of all in the form of Christmas Cake. This will shaped into a yule log or Bûche de Noël, and complete the annual event. It’s quite a production for just two people, but that’s the fun of the holidays. They are always full of fun surprises and things that you don’t really need, but simply want. This year, my list had almost nothing on it, so nearly everything is going to be a surprise. I can’t wait! And yet, I’m fine with having the hours pass a bit slower and savoring each and every little moment. Our house currently smells delicious, but it will be another 48 hours before I can sample any of the dishes that are creating those scents.
As the tree sparkles with lights and the candles flicker on the bookshelf, I’m content just enjoying the moment. Philippe and I are going to start a puzzle this evening as well. It’s an illustrated holiday street in Paris and looks like it will be fun and not as maniacally difficult as the one at my mother’s house a couple of weeks ago. Phineas won’t be joining us due his lack of thumbs and will be instead curled up on his new Christmas blanket that we purchased for him this year. We like to pretend he appreciates fashion and will be telling all of his little squirrel friends that its by Ralph Lauren. He also has a Calvin Klein blanket and we just don’t have the heart to tell him that these are actually now discount designers whose fashion appears mostly at HomeGoods and Marshall’s these days. And though there’s no snow falling, the scene is set for a perfectly beautiful and magical holiday. Somewhere, far away, elves are putting the last minute touches on gifts for kids around the world. And Santa is preparing for that most impossible journey, one chimney at a time, landing a little sleigh and a team of reindeer up on a rooftop.
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May you and your family enjoy the season Charlie. Merry Christmas!
Thanks so much, Laura! 😃💕A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I suspect Phineas knows perfectly well who the prime fashionistas are and just lets you think he’s impressed by Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein to be polite. The squirrels of course, know nothing so yes, he brags about his blankets because who wouldn’t, if they can get away with it! Enjoy your presents under the tree!
hehe! Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Yeah, I’m rather sure Phineas’ sniffs of disapproval include attempting to tell us that we’ve not acquired appropriate fashion. lol I hope you enjoy your presents as well, my friend!
By the way, our minds are once more in sync. My painting tomorrow deals with the secret, revealing how Santa does get down those chimneys. Shhh. Don’t tell anyone.
Oh wow! Yay! I didn’t see it posted yet! I can’t wait! 😃💕
Sounds like you have the perfect pre-Christmas evening in progress. Enjoy!!!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 Hope your pre-Christmas festivities are going well!
What a jolly sleigh! Is that Phineas riding in it? I wish Philippe was cooking at my house.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe… actually it’s just a quickly scrawled toy in Santa’s bag! And yeah, Philippe’s dinner’s are amazing. I’d invited everyone over if I thought we could!!
I’m still waiting to get the recipe for that cake. It looks divine. Around here we’re just happy the days are getting longer. And that my neighbors came down with their Sawsall to help Joe cut the ugly 1960s posts out of the half wall between our dining room and front living room which is now my art room. It’s hard to believe what a difference those posts made, but every thing seems lighter and bigger. That was fun!
If you get a chance, watch The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix to see Kurt Russell as Santa and how he goes down chimneys.
hehe! We were thinking about watching that show on Netflix! 😃 Maybe we’ll try that one tonight! And yay to successful renovations! Sounds like it worked out beautifully! As for Christmas Cake… send me a note via the contact form and I can email you the recipe! 😉 (well, it’s a photographed page out of a magazine and in French😊)
Oui oui! 😁
Hope you will enjoy the ChristmasEve.with
Near n dear . With regards.
🏵️💞🌺🌹🌷
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕 Sending you much love this season!
Every word is delightful, but this is the best of the best,
Charlie says, “Phineas won’t be joining us due his lack of thumbs and will be instead curled up on his new Christmas blanket ”
What a beautiful home that little Phineas owns,
hehe! Phineas totally owns this home! 😃💕 He’s pretty much the one in charge, even without thumbs. 😉 lol
You know, we never had a fireplace growing up and I never questioned how Santa got in. Hmmm? You also reminded me that I never got our kitty a Christmas gift. Ugh! I guess I’ll give her toy mice a couple spritz’s of fresh catnip. She’ll probably be in bed when we open our gifts anyway. Your rooftop scene is a difficult scene to capture with all the angles, but once again you succeed!
Thanks so much! 😃💕 Glad you liked this one… it was a bit fast and the angles made my eyes cross! lol And hope kitty enjoys the gifts… pets are always easier to please than humans! hehe