Mystic, Merry Toyland

The other day I was watching the movie Prancer. There's just something about this 80's classic, that brings back memories of my childhood.

It was released in 1989, which would have put me in the 5th grade. That also happens to be the grade my oldest is in this year.

When I watch this movie, I'm instantly taken back to the 80's during Christmas time. A time of magic and wonder. A time of earmuffs, and cocoa with extra marshmallows. (cocoa, served in a festive mug, of course.)

A time of visiting my grandparent's on Christmas morning, to show them my favorite toys from Santa. The sound of my boots crunching in the snow, while walking up to their house. The smell of their chimney smoke in the cool, crisp air.

A time of asking my grandma and grandpa what Santa had left them in their stockings. (He always came through.)

A time of thinking how loved my grandparents must have been, because their entire mantle was filled with Christmas cards from friends and family. I was always sure to admire each picture.

Going straight for my grandma's Christmas ribbon candy, because they were delicious and full of Christmassy colors.

I'm taken back to the way their blue Christmas lights twinkled in the snow, and the beautiful glow of the lights on their tree, glistening with the tinsel.

I would give anything to go back to that time, and those feelings. We're little for such a short time in our lives. I always tell my kids to slow down and enjoy the ride. They'll want it all back someday.





"Toyland, Toyland
Little girl and boy land.

While you dwell within it,
you are ever happy there.

Childhood's joy land
Mystic, merry toy land.

Once you pass its borders,
you can never return again.

When you've grown up, my dears
and are as old as I,

You'll laugh and ponder on the years
that roll so swiftly by, my dears
that roll so swiftly by.

Childhood's joy land
Mystic, merry Toyland.

Once you pass its borders
you can never return again..."

          Little Amy, in 1980's Toyland

'KETCHUP WITH US’ – Prompt 31: Send Someone Holiday Greetings

My holiday greetings go out to all of you. Anyone who's taking the time to read these words. I want you to have a beautiful Christmas, filled with memories of the past, and positive energy for the future.

And don't forget to gaze at your Christmas tree with your eyes squinted. It's just better that way.;-)


Thanks, Michele and Mel! Merry Christmas!

My Name is Amy, and I Could'nt Care Less if You Wish me Happy Holidays

Why must we make a thing out of someone wishing us Happy Holidays? Seriously, if one person walked up to me and said Merry Christmas, and the person directly after them said Happy Holidays, mentally, I would be taking that as the same thing.

I believe in Christ, so I take both as Merry Christmas, with the added wish for a Happy New Year, from the person who said Happy Holidays. I don't overthink this stuff, you guys. (Although, if I were Jewish, I'd probably get more out of the Happy Holidays.)





123Friendster.com - More Happy Holidays Comments     What I'm trying to say, is that you shouldn't let these things that aren't meant to be hurtful, as something hurtful. This isn't someone trying to be politically correct. (Unless you're actually talking to a politician.)

No one is trying to take Christ out of Christmas. We've been saying "Happy Holidays" since forever. Let's not make it a thing. Bing Crosby sings Happy Holidays, in the movie Holiday Inn, and that was made in the 40's! Zero political correctness back then. Not to mention, he was a man devoted to his faith. Openly, you guys. The King of Christmas music. There was no so-called "War on Christmas" in the 40's.

Sounds grand, doesn't it?

Now, the whole "Holiday Tree" thing, I find annoying. I mean, it's a Christmas tree, people. No other faith has that custom. It's like referring to the Menorah as a "Festive Candelabra." The tree's soul purpose is to help celebrate the Christmas season.

But, I will say this: Although it may annoy me, that the government and a few select businesses take the "Holiday Tree" route, it doesn't stop me from enjoying MY  Christmas. I mean, why would it? My sister calls her Christmas tree Brutus. Should I get my Christmas socks in a bunch because of it?

No! One, because I actually find that quite endearing, because she got it from the Christmas cartoon, Noel, about the little red ornament who was born with a happiness. And two, because who cares? It's not affecting my glad tidings, comfort and joy, or my holly jolly Christmas.

So, if you see me in town, and want to wish me a Merry Christmas, I'm all in! And if you want to say Happy Holidays, I'm all in! Because it's Christmas! It's the holidays! And I plan to keep Christmas well.

God Bless us, everyone!