For many years I wrote a Christmas letter, but a few years ago I decided to let go of the tradition. During an often busy and stressful time of the year, both personally and professionally, I decided to take a break from placing this expectation on myself. I sat down today, and read through letters from the boys younger years. These letters were full of mishaps and mischief. Since laughter is good for our health, I thought this week I would simply share some laughs from those letters, and wish you a Merry Christmas!

Son #1 at 6 years old: Lately SD has been “mad” at God. He says it’s because he doesn’t like God’s plan with the food chain. When asked to explain further he emphatically stated that it makes him sad that animals eat other animals, and people eat animals too. As a result, he has decided to turn from God and worship a snowman idle in protest. He assured me, that just like the Israelites, though, he would eventually nock down his idle and turn back to God.
Son #2 at 10 months old: Did you know that eating your own poop is not a health hazard?! My mother thinks we need to feed PD more, because he has eaten his poop twice. The good news is that we did not have to call poison control the second time, because we already new that as long as it is your own, there are little risks!
Son #1 at 8 years old: We decided to have Papa sell our Subaru. SD was VERY sad about this. After a couple of days trying to talk it out, I asked Papa if we could come visit the car before he brought it to the auction. SD used a disposable camera to take pictures inside and out. Papa even posed for a picture or two, and then took SD on a “good-bye” drive.
Son #2 at 5 years old: I’m feeling loved. “Mom, I love you more than a duck.” “How much do you love a duck, PD?” “Zero.” Another time PD asserts, “You are the best mom in the world…I mean in the house.”
Son #1 at 9 years old: While in the car SD heard the radio announcer say something about cerebral palsy. To my cousin, SD enthusiastically proclaimed, “Hey, I have superior palsy!!
Son #2 at 5 years old: PD was talking about deceased Grandma B., “When we see Grandma B. again she will have TWO legs!! Isn’t that amazing?! I keep thinking about that over and over again, Mom, I think about it more than I think about Spiderman!!!”
Son #1 at 9 and Son #2 at 5 years: PD to SD, “I am excited about you playing for the Rams!” SD replies, “It is difficult to be in the pros. I might have to try to be happy playing for the Cowboys.”
Son #1 at 9 years old: SD was praying, “Dear God, I know its not dinner time now, but I thank you for good food even though we didn’t have it tonight (he chose not to eat the yummy dinner).”
Son #2 at 4 years old: PD ponders, “Why does it take you two wipes, and when dad wipes me it takes him at least 10?!”
Son #2 at 4 years old: Out of the blue, PD asked SD, “Do you want to hear some birdies?” and then proceeded to hit him on the head and say, “tweet, tweet, twee”. Maybe four year olds and the “Three Stooges” are not the safest mix.
Son #1 at 4 years old: “I love my dad! He tickles me and my brother. He’s the best tickler in town. He rubs my hair. It feels good. He likes to negotiate. It helps me make agreements. My dad is the world!”
Son #1 at 9 years old and Son #2 at 3 years old: The boys were going at it in the back seat of the car. I asked PD if SD was “getting his goat”. He replies, “YES, he got all five of dem!!!”
Son #2 at 6 years old: While at SD’s basketball game, after he repeatedly yelled, “Set a pick!!” PD turns to me and asks, “What is a pick?”
Son #1 at 11 years old: SD was annoyed with me and declared, “You know, dad only loves you for your looks!!!!”
Son #2 at 6 years old: PD in tears declares, “This is the worstest bugger!! I‘m going to have it when I’m ten!!” What a mom will do for a son…after much effort we got it out…more tears, “this is the dumbest nose. Now it hurts! This is the baddest day of my life!!”
Mother of young Son #1 and Son #2: On a day we spent the morning at home, I decided to give myself a "spa treatment”. I put a facial mask on, and went about my business. An hour or so later, I remembered the letter I wanted to mail. I had the perfect plan: mail the letter, use my free coffee coupon at Caribou, and drop off some books at the library. One slight problem, I forgot I had the mask on!! No wonder the barista I was talking to was sooo smiley.

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season! With a New Year of health and wellness.

Son #1 and Son #2 have both okayed this post. We had fun laughing our way through these stories from the past!

Wendy Dellis is a certified wellness coach. She joins years of training and work in the area of behavior change, experience as a fitness instructor and run club coordinator with a passion for adventure and people. She lives in Minnesota with her husband, Jay, and two sons.

The information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Nothing here should be construed as medical or healthcare advice, but only topics for discussion. No physician-patient relationship exists; please consult your physician before making changes in diet or lifestyle.