Wrangler Dani

That’s really the only way I can describe it this year. I feel like all the holidays got together and decided that a sneak attack would be the best possible plan, so they all jumped out from behind bushes and magical hollows with one concerted “Rawrrrryahooo!” They try to be scary, but it’s hard for such jolly folks as Christmas and Thanksgiving to be anything but fat and happy… if it wasn’t for Halloween egging them on, they probably would burst forth with a chuckle and something good to eat.  But despite their only somewhat successful scare tactics, they did manage, at least, to all pile together and startle us with sheer numbers. So much to do for each one! So many places to be! So much I wish I could do, but have just plumb run out of time. Thanks a lot for that, Calendar.

Today is my last day of horsey lessons for a while, and I have goodie-bags to give to my last batch of volunteers – those incredible souls without whom I would be lonely and out-of-luck.  Every day this week I have worried that I’ll forget to hand them out, but have not yet forgotten nor been disappointed in the general feeling of good cheer that such simple gestures create.  I love giving.  I love the warm-hearted wishes of “Merry Christmas!” as we trudge to our cars after cold, dusty afternoons. The sun has set, headlights come on, horses whinny as wheelbarrows of hay trundle by, kids hopped up on candy canes tell excited stories of “galloping” and “being cowboys”.  There’s a sense of community at Christmas, of shared purpose, of hope.

It’s intangible. And even though it naughtily snuck up on me this year, it’s forgiven.

Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don’t you see? It’s not just Kris that’s on trial, it’s everything he stands for. It’s kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles.

-Miracle on 34th Street