Dear Reader,
Instead of exchanging gifts this Christmas, my husband and I, and our 25-year-old granddaughter, Bailey, are exchanging Christmas letters. And we’ll all be reading our letters on Christmas Eve.
Christmas always makes me remember the times I spent with my Grandma and Grandpa Hale.” I wrote to Bailey. “They were special people in my life. They felt like characters out of a novel that described the perfect, loving grandparents. I felt safe and secure and that if I ever needed help, they would be there for me. I hope you always feel the love Grandpa and I have for you.
I have some Christmas traditions that are dear to my heart, and so I want to share them with you.
It just wouldn’t feel like Christmas if I didn’t…
…watch the movie, ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (black and white version) I always tear up and start crying at the beginning, because it brings back the very vivid memory of the one Christmas Eve, when my parents and I were driving on a country road, on the way to my grandparent’s house, and I saw, very clearly, Santa and his reindeer flying through the sky…
…read the children's book, ‘The Night Before Christmas’ (I sent along a copy of the book). I don't think I’ll ever get too old to read it on Christmas Eve, and the artwork always makes me think of my granddaughter, the artist!
…read the editorial, ‘Is There a Santa Claus?’. It was first printed in ‘The Sun’ newspaper (New York edition) in 1897. (I sent a copy of that, too.)
I’ve also enclosed some photos of Grandma and Grandpa Hale, the two people who loved me, and showed me their love when I was growing up. Don't know what I would have done without them.
Have a very Merry Christmas, Bailey. You are a gift to Grandpa and me all year long. We love you.
--Grandma
My husband penned a letter to Bailey, too.
Dear Bailey,
What better gift for Christmas than some good advice from your Grandpa...
Take care of your back. That 40 lb. bag of kitty litter can be 10 lbs. too much.
Make memories. Money comes and goes.
Moisturize, use sunscreen, exercise, travel, and eat your vegetables.
Don't go comparing yourself to everyone else. We all walk our own path, at our own pace.
Put a blanket on your lap while you work. It's life changing. Cats will love it too.
Treat yourself.
Be your own advocate.
Lift weights. (Grandma’s lifting every day now.)
Keep making friends.
Start therapy sooner. Therapy is about maintenance.
Stop watching the news.
But the best advice I can give you, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing. I am so proud of you.’
I Love You, Grandpa
Thanks for reading with me. It’s so good to read with friends.
Make some new memories this holiday season.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
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