As always, I wish you all a merry little Christmas.

This year, I received a merry heavy gift, The Lyrics by Paul McCartney. He says it’s as close to an autobiography as he’s going to get.

It weighs 8.6 pounds.

As longtime readers will know, I post The Bishop’s Wife film’s ending sermon every year because it’s just as relevant as in 1947 when the film was released.

The Bishop’s Wife stars Cary Grant as Dudley the angel and the Bishop (David Niven) and his wife (Loretta Young). Dudley helps the couple find a love for life again as well as giving the Bishop a new purpose, after putting away his spiritual doubt.

The Bishop is taxed with writing the Christmas Eve sermon and can’t seem to get to it. Instead, Dudley writes it for him. As soon as the Bishop starts giving his sermon, he realizes he does recognize it, then pauses and resumes. No one remembers Dudley being there, but his presence made an incredible impact.

The sermon is perfect. I watch this film every year after everyone goes to bed and I fill stockings. It’s my favorite tradition.

Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.

Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child’s cry, a blazing star hung over a stable, and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven’t forgotten that night down the centuries. We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, with the sound of bells, and with gifts.

But especially with gifts. You give me a book, I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry can do with a new pipe. For we forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled, all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It’s his birthday we’re celebrating. Don’t let us ever forget that.

Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most. And then, let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shinning gifts that make peace on earth.

David Niven, The Bisop’s Wife

Best purchase of the year.

A few years ago I compiled a list of ridiculous Nativity sets, and Im back. These are weird, but some are “minimal.” I hate that word in decorating.

I ordered 10 things from Aldi and they included this inflatable Christmas Snoopy for no reason. What on earth? I guess they’re in the spirit.

It’s new or new to me. Just saw it on Facebook, and it is my favorite Christmas song, I had to let y’all know about it. I couldn’t find it on Spotify, so I’m guessing they haven’t released it. But they should.

It’s not the best arrangement, but it’s a good alt-rock one and I like it. It was on FB and wouldn’t let me embed, then I finally tried YouTube. Enjoy.

A few of you know how seriously I take gift wrapping.

I messed up the numbering of the countdown again. I apologize. I will try to do better next year. I promise.

Here’s this for the new year.

I love this so much. I’ll probably watch it a dozen times this week. Their energy is unparalleled. Dancing — 10/10. Lip syncing — 10/10. Magic — 10/10.