“Do the Trump”

Next year the beautiful Christmas trees will be back, in both the White House and our own homes.

But for now we’re stuck with the FJB tree.

But hang in there, help is on the way.

Do the Trump, Do the Trump

“Do Not Open Till December 1!”

I followed Jettie’s instructions and opened her package yesterday. Inside there was another box, also marked in her unmistakable hand “Open December 1, not before and not after!” As if I would dare violate her orders.

And so, mystery solved: in addition to a crocheted hot pad-mop-up cloth (I have a lovely collection now) there was this charming foldout box Advent calendar. A little door for everyday from December 1 to December 24.

Front of Advent box, folded up

Open it up and there are 24 windows.  Behind door #1 was a little gnome all rolled up and smooshed in, he expanded when released from his confines.

gnome #1, sitting on the hot pad

There was also a Christmas card like I’m sure others have received with a picture of young Jettie, the way we want to think of her: young, full of life and at ease in her world. She was at Kinkaku-ji, a Buddhist temple in Kyoto. The year was 1993, when we were all young, full of life and with no clue what lay ahead.

Beautiful Jettie at Kinkaka-ji ‘93

Of course Jettie never sent a card without including a little trinket. This time if was a handmade tree ornament.

It will have a place of honor on my down-sized tree this year, along with the other Jettie ornaments she’s sent over the years.

So bittersweet, all done while knowing she was about to shuffle off this mortal coil. I would be lying if I told you it didn’t make me cry. What a hard year it has been for the MOTI, and yet here we all are: celebrating Trumps victory, Thanksgiving and soon Christmas. We are a tough lot and will soldier through together.

Since it is December 2nd today I also opened the second door: another little gnome! I may have to get another tree to hang my complete Jettie collection. Such a nice remembrance.

May one and all have a happy Muttday.