Greetings. Was everything you wanted under your trees? If you feel you are missing anything here is a gift from me via one of my very favorite authors, Kurt Vonnegut: ”Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” Nonna had another weekend hospital stay. This is the nature of congestive heart failure. But she is back, feeling great, and we are invited to lunch today with Bob and Jane Praskach, driving all the way from New Jersey to see us. A very nice card Nonna came home to from the hospital was from our Island artist, Susan Shea, an exquisitely handmade and well-dressed snowman with best wishes to Nonna. I have missed many of Susan’s shows on the Island that present her work, often at Joan LeLacheur’s gallery in Aquinnah. Keep your eyes open for the next one. Susan has a card for every occasion. Thank you, Susan.

The Klein clan, Marvin, Susan, Bob and Elaine, just added five pounds to each of us by sending the most delightful brownies, lemon squares and chocolate chip cookies. All were opened immediately and are already gone, a Christmas miracle.

Because the need to feed our families is greater than ever this year, Betty Burton of Family to Family suggests you send a donation to Family to Family, P.O. Box 4685, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Last Friday this group gave out 170 Christmas dinners to those who needed one. Be one of Santa’s elves.

Anniversary bells chime for Edson and Norma Rodgers on Dec. 26.

The birthday bandwagon pulls along Kelly dos Reis today. Tomorrow is claimed by artist Haley Panek. Dec. 27 is shared by Rene Moncada and Austen Ostrowsky. Dec. 28 is a party for Fred Shapiro, Pia DiTerlizzi and Carol Slocum. Dec. 29 shines on Len Morris, George Davis, and Toby Danger Riseborough. Dec. 30 is for Dane Bliss and Claire Elizabeth O’Leary. And on Dec. 31 Gracie Carlson and Nelson Smith take the cake. Many happy returns.