Not to toot my own horn, but I am one of Santa and Mrs. Claus’ favorite “non-elf” helpers. Suppose you’ve never had the opportunity to share the holidays with me. In that case, you will be happily surprised because this little Jewish girl takes great pleasure in celebrating Christmas.
Once the calendar turns to December, it’s like a switch is flipped on, and I am compelled to spread goodwill and yuletide cheer. Given the elf name, “Peppermint Schnapps,” from Santa himself, I take pride in delivering holiday cheer. A spirited member of his team, Saint Nick, chose me because I am so good at being naughty. I strive to prance around town dressed in red and green with jingle bells ringing and handing out treats to everyone I meet. It’s my way of clocking in extra community service hours before the year’s end.
Next to serving, crafting goodies and baking holiday treats is my calling. The true pleasure, however, is sharing my finished masterpieces with everyone. Over the years, whether I’ve given you one of my yearly pinecone Christmas trees or some edible delights, it has always been my pleasure to share with you. I enjoy watching others enjoy my handy work. It’s a win-win for me.
Once I see someone else’s unique concoction, I must make it by the dozens. Thanks to the internet, there is always something new and eye-catching to reproduce – showing you how to make anything and everything step-by-step. Who needs to buy holiday delectables? Not this crazy volunteer. I’m so crafty that I even transform specific Halloween decorations into Christmas decor.
This year’s work of art is my new electronic hellhound dog house. My hubby Joey bought it a few months ago without considering where he planned to store it after Halloween. It has been sitting on my front porch ever since until I got the brainstorm to turn it into something winter extraordinary.
Cutting, coloring, pasting and adding glitter, cotton balls, and lights only took a couple of hours. I also took a few trips to the craft store for extra odds and ends, but the finished product is a lovely gingerbread house. A charming centerpiece to my other decorations, it now graces my front porch. Not to mention, my 7-year-old grandson Jeremy finally believes grandma when I say, “Of course I know Mrs. Claus.”
On a side note: To all of you gentlemen who need to comment on my large assortment of reindeer antler headpieces by shouting to me, “I like your rack,” or “Hey, Rudolph. Where’s your red nose?”
Please don’t. I am not trying to portray an adolescent male deer. I am a mature and seasoned doe that my friends call Vixen.
So if you’re too old to sit on Santa’s lap, it’s been decades since you’ve considered making a “Christmas Wish,” and you’re bored with being a Grinch, give me a shout. With my magical St. Bernard I was assigned sent straight from the North Pole, I will visit you with my barrel filled with libations to lift your spirit and warm your soul. You only have to BELIEVE.
Laugh on. Peace out!
Lisa DeMarco is a columnist for Villages-News.com