Random Christmas Miracles

In no particular order:

1. I went to the Post Office on December 21st, in the middle of the day, to mail a large package and there was no line!

2. The parking lot by our Trader Joe's is kind of designed in an odd circular pattern: If you come in one way, you can take a precious parking spot from someone who had already been circling a while. Well, I was in such a position to snag away a parking spot from someone who had been going around a while. O, Christmas spirit: I drove past the highly prized real estate and let him take the spot--hey, I can walk a little bit. But just then, a parking spot opened up right in front of the entrance just for me!

3. On my doorstep appeared a box of homemade cookies made by a friend I've known since 7th Grade Social Studies and her son. Now, for some time it was unclear if my friend could ever become a mother. And when it was clear she would, well, her son was born several weeks too soon. For almost two years it was unclear how long her son would be with us or what his physical condition would be. Well, this boy today is healthy, happy and able to put his own little thumbprints in the thumbprint cookies! You would not believe how good these cookies are. They are the best ever!

4. O Mystery Tree! O Mystery Tree! I like to observe the would-be arborists, structural engineers and tree aesthetes giving each Douglas fir and noble pine on the lot a detailed analysis. But, in an era when technology has made the synthetic tree superior to what comes of the pine cone (already decked out in lights, sets up in 30 seconds, options include a pleasant pine scent, looks more real than a real tree, costs less than a real tree, et. al. ) I'm looking for imperfection. In previous years, I've sought out the Charlie-Browniest of Christmas trees, the one that would make Lucy say, "Charlie Brown, you're not such a blockhead. At least you didn't get that tree." The curvier the trunk, the better. The more sickly and odd arrangement of branches, the better. Well, I made such Christmas tree rescue efforts until one ungrateful, fateful tannenbaum toppled and the tinkling, heartbreaking sound of the big, red Dresden glass balls, I bought many years ago when I didn't have a lot of extra spending money, shattering into a thousand pieces convinced me to select otherwise. Now, I choose straight trunks. Nonetheless, the kids and I select Surprise Tree, one that is still tightly wrapped in twine. This way, the way the tree unfolding becomes a present in and of itself.

5. When I lamented the economics of marzipan in my last post, I received no less than seven offers to have the stuff mailed to me. (I've found a less expensive marzipan dealer, um, source--merci, ihr seid viel zu lieb! Plus, that crazy girl from my 7th Grade Social Studies class has hooked me up pretty thoroughly cookie-wise).

6. I wanted a special gift for a special friend, so I ordered one made special. It came and it is perfect and I can't wait until she gets it. I'd like to show you now, but maybe she read this blog, so no peek-sies. (Thank you, perfect present maker person! It is beautiful!)

7. Anna's class at school sang a few Christmas songs for the parents. They sang, among other songs, "All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth". And Anna, as always, but especially for this song while missing one tooth and the other about to fall out, was really well-dressed for the part.

I wish you many miracles, large and small, this next week and all next year.