Those Crazy Old Christmas Ghosts

The “Ghost of Christmas Present” appeared last night. He took me on a tour of all the things I was supposed to have gotten done since last year, but didn’t. I asked him, “Does the Ghost of Christmas Past know that you are on his turf?”
He just cursed at me and disappeared.
Score one for me.

December 24
All I know is that the Ghost of Christmas Present had better bring some Maalox with him.

December 24
The “Ghost of Christmas Past” was late last night. He came at 1:00am. He took me back two hours to 11:00pm, and replayed the scene in my life where my lovely EC couldn’t remember where she hid all the presents. Sadistic ghost.

December 24
The “Ghost of Christmas Future” visited last night. It was terrifying. He didn’t wake me up, but he left a Visa statement on my nightstand.

He went into my room, and returned holding my swimsuit. He burst into hysterical laughter, and vanished.
When I awoke, it took almost a pound of toffee to console me.

December 26
These Christmas Ghosts are definitely messing up my sleep patterns.
That, or there’s more caffeine in fudge than I thought.

December 26

I woke up, and glanced at the clock. It was 3:00am.  I looked up and was surprised to find yet another Christmas ghost looming over my bed.

I said, “What are you doing here? Christmas was yesterday. Can’t you guys just leave me alone?”

He just ignored my question and said, “I am the Ghost of Christmas Present, get out of bed, I have things to show you.”

I got out of bed. He took my by the hand.

‘Where are you taking me?” I asked.

“Into the next room.”

“Then why are you holding my hand?”
He let go.

We walked into the family room, and through the kitchen. Wrapping paper, cups, gifts, bows, and pillows were strewn about every room. I was a little embarrassed that we didn’t pick up better the night before. He pointed to the mess and asked, “What do you think of all of this?”

“It’s a disaster.” I replied.

He shook his head. “Wrong, it’s beautiful.”

He then attempted to grab my hand again, but I didn’t let him. He took me into the kid’s playroom where my youngest lay on an air mattress leftover from company the night before. He was curled up in a fuzzy new blanket, sleeping peacefully. The dog lay curled up on his dog pillow beside him. It looked like a Christmas card.

We went through into my daughter’s room. She has been on her own for 6 years now, and is just home for the holiday, but it is still her room. She is all grown up, but lying in bed, she still looked like my little girl. An independent, talented, adult version, who is probably smarter than me – but she will always be my sweet little girl. The ghost whispered,“We need to go out before she starts talking in her sleep again – it’s kinda freaky.”

I was impressed by his knowledge.

He took me to my teenage son’s room. I had to pick my way carefully so as not to trip. The ghost thought this was quite funny as he floated above the floor. “If you would hold my hand, you wouldn’t have to watch where you step.”

“I’ll pass. But thanks.”

I stood and looked at him as he fought to find a comfortable spot on his pillow. He is a restless sleeper. I was surprised to see his feet hanging off the end of the bed. He is growing up so quickly, but growing up so well. He is smart, spiritual, and funny. I admire him so much. His floor? Not so much.

The Ghost forcefully took my hand and said, “This time you have no choice.”

No sooner did he say these words than we were transported through space until we stood at the foot of a bed. In front of us, my eldest son was snuggled up to his new wife, both sleeping peacefully. Such good kids. They did it right, and continue to do it right. He found a girl he adores, who adores him back. They both deserve each other in every good way.

Suddenly we were on our way again, flying at an incredible speed. Across land and sea, until we found ourselves in a beaten-down apartment in a third world nation. I noticed a suit jacket hanging on the back of a chair, and saw my last name on the name tag. My missionary son was asleep nearby. I wanted to wake him, and tell him I love him, and how proud I am of him. But the ghost said, “You can’t talk to him. Besides, you had your 40 minute phone call yesterday – so you need to wait until Mother’s Day.”

He grabbed my hand again, and we were off. Mere moments later, I found myself standing next to my bed, but at the opposite side. Below us, my wife lay sleeping. I was so glad to see that she was asleep. Sleep hasn’t come easy these past few nights. She lost her mother last weekend, and she is grieving. We are grieving.  It has been a remarkably difficult Christmas for her, yet she has handled it with strength and grace.

I looked at her face and can’t describe how I felt. My world is wrapped up in her. I wish I could take away her pain, but I know from experience that I can’t – that I shouldn’t even try. I know about eternity. They will be reunited.

The ghost let me reach out and stoke her hair and cheek. Reflexively, she reached up and took my hand, as the tears began to stream down my face. I can’t imagine my life without her.

As I stood there, contemplating the things I had witnessed, I felt the ghost put his hand on my back.

“I must depart,” was all he said.

“Wait!” I gently pulled my hand away from my wife and turned to the ghost. “You can’t leave yet. I have questions.”

“What questions?”

“You are the Ghost of Christmas Present, but what about the others? Are they still coming?”

“No.” He gently replied. “I’m the only ghost that matters. The past is gone, and the future depends on the present. They just visit for dramatic effect, or to mess with you.”

The ghost directed my gaze back towards my sleeping wife. We stood there quietly for a few moments.

I whispered, “But what does all this mean? I don’t understand.”

“Yes you do.”

And he was gone.