Christmas, Today and

Please don’t misunderstand.

I LOVE online shopping, and so does my credit card company.

Everything I order arrives promptly, and it is a rare occasion when I make a return.

Still in the depths of my sentimental heart, I do miss Christmas shopping with all its inherent stress, and angst and yes, overspending.

I miss the crowded aisles in MACY’S on Herald Square.

I miss the luxurious array of frivolity once displayed in the magnificent Lord and Taylors Flagship store, where I learned to dream about fashion impossibilities.

I miss the long lamented elegance of Bonwit Tellers and their lovely shopping bags sprinkled with violets.

I miss the voices of people standing on crowded snowy Fifth Avenue street corners the night before Christmas hoping to still find that perfect gift.

I miss wrapping my own presents even though I always ran out of plaid ribbon.

I miss the late night purchase of a perfect wreath from the weary vendor shaking from the December chill before he said goodnight.

I miss the contagious sense of fellowship that embraced all the last minute shoppers who optimistically shared hope that they weren’t too late.

I miss the yesterdays when families walked down the street to exchange gifts.

I miss the amazing luxury of walking to Church for Midnight Mass.

I miss the yesterdays and both friends and foe, who shared them with me.

Until I count those who now share my todays, and quietly admit how much simpler my life has become,

Then I acknowledge, today is what truly matters.

I hear the words that were spoken not only yesterday, but still today and miraculously, will be heard again tomorrow.

“Peace on Earth; Good Will to Men!!”

That I add my own,

Merry Christmas to all!!!