A Boon of Good Tidings
In the earliest morning
from out of nowhere
a fire red cardinal
with black patched eyes
trills expansively on a bare branched limb.
It is a gift not expected
a boon of good tidings
which makes me believe
for a little while longer
in the forgiveness of change.

Marjorie Buettner, Minneapolis, MN

A little girl in the seat behind me had Down Syndrome and was very anxious about flying. Her mother was a saint.She soothed the little girl incessantly as the girl repeated, "MAYBE I want Lambchop." I'd like to thank this woman for being a model of patient reassuring parenting.

Heather Fell, Fargo, ND

My Family Toast
Holding together like butter on toast
I appreciate my family the most
When sent adryspell or happiness sweet ashoney
Our family looks on the side that is sunny.
My husband and sons are a fine group of men...
I salute them this season with a joyou Ahhhh... men
Mardi Knudson toasts her family, husband Jon and sons Neil and Kyle.

Mardi Knudson, St. Cloud, MN

We close each year's Christmas letter with a wish for our family and friends.We'd like very much to send it to the entire world. This year we've written: Our hope for all of us is that we can live more and more fully in the present recognizing those words to mean boththis everlasting moment and the gift.

Lynn Lunde, Eureka Springs, AR

I wish you
The courage to be optimistic
The wisdom to be grateful
And a heart open to the possibility of grace.

Bill Unumb, New Richmond, WI

This was my fathers favorite toast:
If I had my way
I'd fill this world with roses
each rose I'd fill with dew
each drop of dew I'd fill with love and respect
for good people like you

John Kunitz, Chanhassen, MN

God of New Life, we ask your blessings on this gathering and on this meal. May the wine of gladness brighten this feast of friends and family, and may the music of the season touch in our hearts something of the mystery of the new life you bring. Amen.

Dick Weaver, Granite Falls, MN

This greeting should be sung to the tune of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." I use it on my answering machine over the Holidays.
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
We're sorry that you have missed us
Leave your name and number with us
and we'll call when we're home.
It sounds great when sung by myself and two daughters.

Diane Grindahl, Roseville, MN

May you survive the Holiday Season with your humor and integrity intact.

James Schmidt, Plymouth, MN

I pray
That we greet each day a new rising Sun
That children play and skip and run
That people be who they choose to become
That war will end and never come
And finally when the day is done
That Thanks be given to everyone

Jerry McQuillan, West Saint Paul, MN

A Toast
Tis the season of songs best heard with the heart.
As we struggle to make ourselves heard may we remember to listen.
As we listen may we truly hear.
Best wishes now and through the new year.

Tom Skogstrom, Minneapolis, MN

Don't be afraid in a world of violence and crime. Good news in a world of pessimism and doom. Great joy in a world of sorrow and pain. Good will in a world of prejudice and hate.Peace in a world of conflict and war. Listen to the angels.

WayneChristiansen, Virginia, MN