"Yeah, a statue!"

 

"My mother tried to insinuate herself between me and the gleam of electric sex in the front room window."  From the holiday favorite A Christmas Story (1983), based on the semi-autobiographical novel In God We Trust.  All Others Pay Cash (1966) by late humorist and radio personality Jean [Thank you for the correction!] Shepherd. 

We don't indulge in huge inflatable outdoor ornaments, illuminated wicker reindeer on the lawn, or thousands of blinking lights all over the house here in The Grand Duchy of Stollen.  Just a string of white icicle lights along the front porch eaves, natural wreaths on either side of the door, an Advent wreath on the dining table, a large fishbowl of silver glass balls atop dark red runner on the living room coffee table, and this miniature version of the infamous leg lamp.  

A major award according to The Old Man.  Apparently from Italy if the print on the outside of the large wooden shipping crate is any indication.  Precise origins of the lamp notwithstanding, it's my seasonal nod to kitsch, safely hidden down here in my basement office.

A large tree in the living room and a smaller table tree for the family ornaments in the library, Fraser Firs if we can get them, will follow after mid-month.  No sense in rushing things.

But my wife and I did enjoy a quiet glass of red wine by the fireside late last night with some Vince Guaraldi Trio -- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) -- playing softly in the background so as not to disturb the sleeping Young Master upstairs.  He brought home a strong first trimester report card yesterday, which we celebrated with two of his favorite things: pancakes for dinner, whipped up by yours truly, and a chocolate cake baked by The Grand Duchess. 

Young Paul has a good head on his shoulders.  And with a little luck, as one Sir Paul sang 40+ years ago, our son will attain his Black Belt Recommended status on Saturday and move into the final six months of training for his black belt test in Tae Kwon Do next June.

-- Heinz-Ulrich