You Heard Me!

San Francisco, Macy's Department Store Santa Claus  The Night Before Christmas By Clement Clarke Moore 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and  eight tiny reindeer.                          ...

First published: December 1995 Tiny Lights Publications paintings by Norman Rockwell photographs by Karin Kascher They’re back!  The holidays. One of Norman Rockwell’s merrily contented families enjoying a delectable feast pops into my mind when the approaching festivities are mentioned.  I can see someone’s Uncle Bob, sober as a judge, carving the succulent, evenly browned beast with white paper tassels atop the plump and juicy drumsticks. His calm and blissful expression is emulated by all the eager guests seated around the perfectly set table.  And who should appear through the swinging kitchen door but sweet Aunt Dorothy, white-haired and rosy-cheeked, wearing her simple, dark blue dress, dotted with tiny pink roses and a neatly starched apron.  She is proudly presenting her freshly baked pies to the sounds of oohs and ahhs, and respectful squeals of delight!   Come to think of it, when did dear Aunt Dorothy find the time to single-handedly ...