Bob's Blah Blah Blog

All my life I was lead to believe the modern image of Santa Claus was created by the Coca-Cola Company. But just like my dearly beloved planet, Pluto, everything I thought I knew to be right, is wrong

I’ve always been fascinated with Old Saint Nick, but never took the time to research the truth behind the legend, let alone the legend behind the legend. So I recently bought the book, “There Really Is a Santa Claus: The History of St. Nicholas & Christmas Holiday Traditions” and found it to be a fascinating and thoroughly entertaining read. Then, while reading the book, I coincidently happened across a Snopes post titled, “The Claus That Refreshes” that places the modern look and feel of Santa as early as 1906. years before Coca-Cola adopted the figure as their winter marketing icon.

I feel so much better now.

For so many years,
I looked under the Christmas tree
For something I was certain would complete me.
I searched the bottom of the stocking
That hung near the fireplace
For something I was certain would bring me joy.

Over the years, It became clear to me
That the wrapping paper revealed nothing more than additional questions
And the gifts I found only lead me further away from what I was seeking.

Until I met you.

Even then, I had no idea just how precious your gift was to me.
How the gift of you revealed the gift I had been searching for all my life.

The gift of me.

And now, after so many years I realize what I have been missing,
What I have been searching for.

Your gift is my soul.

Complete in every way,
You have given me what it has taken to complete me.

You.

Now that I realize the sacrifices you have made,
The love you have unselfishly presented me,
The unwavering honor you have bestowed upon me.

On this day, and as my gift to you,
I once again dedicate myself fully to you,
In every word, in every deed, in every thought.

My love is yours forever.
And beyond.
In these words,
And in those that can never be spoken,

Merry Christmas, Sandy.

For so many reasons, many of which I am not sure of, this was an amazing Christmas. Maybe it’s putting the stress of life aside for a few days, or maybe it’s the fact we’ve spent some great time together as a family for the first time in weeks. Either way, this holiday has been warm, comforting and joyous — just what I’ve dreamt of for so long.

Thank you family. Thank you friends. And thank you to the stranger that helped me in line at the grocery store.

For some reason, every time I hear The Bangles, “Manic Monday” it makes me happy. And when the video debuted in 1986, millions of men all over the world lost, “the bet.” Yes, they’re still touring and recording and no, I will never forgive Prince.

This is old news, but I am surprized how many people have not seen this “handy” version of Daft Punk’s, “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” It starts out slow, but stay with it and enjoy!