500 cups of hot chocolate and it’s all in spirit

“It caught me,” I quietly whispered last Sunday morning as I walked down the hallway that led into the sanctuary. “What did,” said Pat Monk. “The Christmas Spirit – I arose this morning singing carols.” “Christmas! I love Christmas!” he announced for all to hear. I love Christmas – aren’t those beautiful words to hear? And for all that know Pat, you know he is not talking about gifts he is talking about doing and the reason behind the season…

Approximately 500 cups of hot chocolate were devoured during Thursday evening’s activities at Forest Home’s Drive Through Nativity. This tells us there were plenty ready to face the bitter cold to see the annual event.The last evening to see the nine scenes leading you through the nativity was Saturday between 69 p.m. If you have received the paper ahead of time and still haven’t seen the changes in it this year, you may want to rush on out there.

The holiday spirit can be found just about anywhere in this area if you are looking hard. Two or three that are definitely worthy of mentioning are Kendall at the Silver Lining who goes out of her way to make sure it is the right gift for you (and has fun doing it) and Carl at Expressions who likes to add the finishing touches to the perfect gift. With their unique talents,

they have made Christmas

fun this year.

Then there was Margaret Gomez at Fred’s Discount Store selling deicer to the women and had us all laughing at the antics pulled to get in the car during our little ice capades this last week. (Say, Margaret, my towels were still looked like frozen boards on Friday morning).

Have you been by to see Sandra Florence at Boomtown Video? She will tell you she is wearing the latest fashion in haircuts. Her fashion statement was not of her own doing, but it is very becoming on her. I’m quite sure after her last treatment she will be seeing new results. So, this family is definitely looking forward to Christmas moving right on and into a brand-new year. (Add a little prayer her way, will ya?) She has been an avid reader of this column and has been a good source of tidbits along the way. Speaking of which, she has sent this along to question our knowledge: On Jeopardy the other night, the final question was how many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns? (All three contestants missed it.) Also, how long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?

The Singles of first Baptist Church met Saturday, December 3, in the home of Jim and Gladys Crouch to celebrate Christmas. “Single’s Director Gladys Crouch prepared a wonderful meal for the group and Single’s teachers Jim Crouch, J.C. and Dee Turner served the meal,” said Teresa Anderson.

Following the meal, they participated in a Chinese Gift Exchange. In this gift game, each person draws a number and gifts are selected and opened accordingly. When your turn arrives, you may select a gift to open or steal a previously opened gift. The first thief of the night was Jim Crouch, who “stole” an angel candleholder for his wife from Julie Boswell. Mike Smith was declared the gift inspector after he thoroughly looked over every opened gift before stealing an Egyptian Glass Ornament from Teresa Anderson. Other participants in the game included Patsy Williams, J.C. and Dee Turner, Susie Thomas, Robert Fain, Charlotte Barton, Gary Leach, Kathy Brown, Russell Smith and Bobby and Martha Clark. Now, the group is in the process of making plans for a New Year’s Party. (We bet it comes in with a bang.)

Thank you, Chuey at East Texas Lumber for keeping me supplied with fresh, warm popcorn. He believes I can not go a day without popcorn – and he is right.

We love hearing from you, keep the holiday stuff coming in. In the meantime May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes throughout the week. I may be reached at 903-984-2593 or by e-mail at chitchatlinda@aol.com.