21 Comments
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Colin MacRae's avatar

Walter. I just read your post and it made me cry. It was just so beautiful and heartwarming and heart-wrenching at the same time. I am spending my 26th Christmas alone. I guess I'm a loner. But your words were beautiful and you took me back to when I was a kid and although my parents weren't wealthy they got us everything we wanted but more. Actually, your words have lifted me above that howling loneliness that I feel at all holidays. Especially Christmas. Merry Christmas Santa you got a big heart . Thank-you Kind Regards Colin

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Colin, I'm sorry that you're experiencing loneliness this holiday season. Know that I'm thinking about you now. I think about all the people who regularly comment on my articles. It means a great deal to me, as it does to all writers. So, you're not alone, you're appreciated! Even I forget that at times, but we're all appreciated. Best to you this holiday season!

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Sarah3000's avatar

I think this is a very important message. The magic is spending time together. You are so right. I don't remember any particular gift I received when I was small. I remember decorating the Christmas tree and watching Christmas shows like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf, and the Grinch.

Merry Christmas!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Sarah!

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Yolanda D.'s avatar

That was a magical Christmas story. Your girls are lucky to have parents like you. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄💝💖✨

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Yolanda!

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Yolanda D.'s avatar

You're welcome.

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Gene Wood's avatar

Good morning Walter .. listening to you this Christmas morning is comforting, like talking to an old friend. As I sit in the darkness watching the lights on our tree twinkle i feel hope for our future. We will survive by listening and talking to each other .. and telling stories like this one. It’s a story that happens in nearly every household across the globe. It’s something we all have in common. Thank you for starting my day with a smile!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thanks Gene! Sometimes I have to remind myself not to be hopeless and frustrated. I try to focus on the time I spend with my wife and kids (and the dog) and it helps me feel more hopeful :)

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Suzanne Whitaker's avatar

Oh gosh, that’s the sweetest recollection! My kids won’t be back in town until February so this is a rather empty holiday this year. But thank you for this sweet story. Took me back to happier times. I remembered my son pulling my daughter around in a laundry basket, kinda like the box game you described. They laughed and laughed together. It was the cutest thing to watch. I am feeling so much nostalgia for those years! Tears here, but good tears. Merry Christmas, Walter, to your sweet family! 💕

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Those are good tears! I find myself crying more often the older I get, and I like the emotions those tears bring with them.

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Suzanne Whitaker's avatar

…and it flies by so fast! I did get to face time with my kids today. Felt so good. My son announced he is finally marrying his fiancee after their long engagement. They are marrying on their 8 year anniversary of meeting! And my daughter’s career in news is going so well. Her skills at live morning reports are getting better all the time and she is being recognized for it. I hope the future is so much better for them than we think is possible at the moment. I just send them safety and love every day.

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cindy ramirez's avatar

Beautiful story. Merry Christmas, Walter 🎄💖

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Cindy! I hope you're having a wonderful Holiday season!

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Rebecca Weitzel's avatar

Heartwarming memories, Walter. I'm wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas. ♥️

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Rebecca, to you as well :)

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Ginny S.'s avatar

You have a wonderful way of sharing a special message. Thank you. It brought back great memories. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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Walter Rhein's avatar

Thank you Ginny!

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Alexandra Rogers's avatar

This is a very charming and squishy story. I loved it.

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Kathryn Clancy's avatar

Merry Christmas everyone!

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Dec 25
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Walter Rhein's avatar

That's beautiful. Thank you.

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