By Suzanne Sparrow Watson
Once again, we come to the season of Christmas. The time when the world slows just a bit, when we stop to count our blessings and reflect on the passing of another year. We enter the season of Christmas grace. On Wednesday morning children all over the world will delight in the presents they receive; their belief in Santa reinforced and hopefully they also learn a bit about the reason for the holiday. Of course, as we age, our priorities shift. No Tiffany blue box or set of golf clubs can take the place of the present we appreciate most: the presence of the people we love. There is something almost magical in the gathering of close friends and family this time of year. The hugs always seem to last a bit longer and the laughter is just that much sweeter. And, of course, we miss the presence of those who are too far away to join in the festivities or who are no longer with us. I hope, like me, that if you are missing someone this year you have a reservoir of wonderful memories to draw upon.
I received a Christmas letter this year that contained an anonymous quote about Christmas grace that perfectly describes the uplifting spirit of the season. It says: “Christmas is an unexpected gift of grace; grace to conceive at this time and place, a new dream or plan, to overcome an old fear, to discover a new strength, to find a new friend, to live boldly and honor the changes that are happening, to care for my soul as well as those I love, to elevate the discourse around me with laughter and hope.”
My brothers and I are lucky that we have we had a wonderful upbringing, with a dad that was the epitome of Christmas grace. As is my custom each year, I am sharing his Christmas Ice Cream Fizz recipe to hopefully add a bit of cheer to your holiday celebration.
POP’S CHRISTMAS ICE CREAM FIZZ
Fill a blender 1/4 full of ice cubes
Add 6 jiggers of gin
Add 4 scoops of French Vanilla ice cream
Add 1 small bottle of soda water (the size you get in a 6-pack)
My brother Bob adds an egg, so the white adds some froth, brother Jack doesn’t add an egg. Personally, I’d add it just because you can then claim it’s a protein drink.
Just blend it well and – voila – you have a concoction sure to put a positive spin on everyone and everything!
Our mom served them in a wine glass with a dash of nutmeg. As we got older, we would conspire with Pop and ditch the wine glass for a chilled beer mug from the freezer. Saved having to go back for seconds…or thirds.
My brother and I wish all of our readers a very happy holiday season, blessed with all the presence you could ask for.
Merry Christmas Suzanne and Bob! Thank you for another year of stories and uplifting thoughts! I’ve loved every one!
Thank you, Marie! Hoping you and your family have a wonderful Christmas. Can’t believe how big the boys have grown!! Enjoy!! xoxo
Read your blog last night and it was awesome. It was a great way to go to sleep not only did inspire my soul, but it made me laugh. Can’t wait to try a fizz merry Christmas back to you all. Tell Moe his friend from school is wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. You can add his brother Jack too. He’s pretty specialtoo.
Thank you, Liz! Always nice to get one of your notes. I will pass along your wishes to Moe and Jack – I agree, they ARE pretty special!
Thank you, Burt, for reminding us that the birth of Jesus is the BEST gift ever! I tell my grands that the gifts I cherish from them are hugs, kisses and “i Love you, Nana”
So nice to read this now! Thank you for sharing! It will be a Christmas of change and of hope! Merry Christmas to you and your entire wonderful family!! ❣️
Thank you, Caro! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas – I can’t imagine how glorious your house will be! Here’s to a happy and healthy 2025 to you. xo
Love the anonymous quote about Grace in your friend!’s Christmas letter.
Wishing you and your family a beautiful Christmas and a New Year filled with love and JOY!
And this will be the year we try your Pop’s Christmas Ice Cream Fizz
Merry Christmas to you and Mr. Wonderful! Wishing you all the happiness in the world. And if you try the fizz, happiness is almost guaranteed!
Love, Suzanne
Merry Christmas, Suzanne.
I wish you the very best at Christmas time. I’ve heard many times that as we get older, we become more conservative and that has certainly been true for my wife and me.
As we celebrate, we remember the reason for the season, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We attended a Christmas dinner on the 21st that was a combination of 3 different churches and it was wonderful.
There is so much to be thankful for this year that our hearts are overflowing with the joy of the season. Again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
All the best,
Burt
Burt, thank you so much for your wonderful note. It is indeed a season to be joyous. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2025. Hope our class can muster up a reunion at some point so we can all see each other again.
Best, Suzanne