The last lined night” to the poem “Twas the night before Christmas” 1823 could be heard being read from many a knee when I was growing up. It created more anticipation and excitement than can be expressed in words. It was a holiday whispered about before and talked about after in our family.
Thank God, more importantly to our family, was the manger with the lil’ baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary. The Nativity scene. Matthew 2:2- “Where is this child who would be a King? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him”. This Star of Bethlehem- three wise men from the East- The shepherds. The scene was played out every year and it has been a beloved Christmas memory. May you pass it on- generation to generation.
More Christmas memories- Cutting our own tree and decorations, Christmas lights on the house and the tree with stockings for each family member, Pretty paper- Pretty ribbons, opening just one present on Christmas Eve cause Santa delivered the rest, milk and cookies, Caroling and the food before football with a slice of pie at half-time. When I was old enough, bout 13, Quail hunting with Uncle Frank and Uncle Denver before the family sat down to dinner, a short nap and then more quail hunting. Most days we limited out twice there were so many covey of birds. I found out later that the reason Uncle Frank put so many in the bag was the special ordered case of #9 shot that he used. And so many more memories.
This year’s memories will be very special. In the first place, I didn’t expect to make Christmas 2024. It was close a couple of times. But I am optimistic and oh, so very grateful. I wish you and yours a very, Merry Christmas. Make many memories. Worship and celebrate of your own choosing. Remember that we have the freedom and safety because so many are working or defending our nation and will have to be away from family and friends. I for one will pray for them and for our Nation.
Live Music this week- Muldrow City Limits will have “The Stagemasters” for the last Sat. nite Dance of 2024. It’s been a good year for the dancehall and a great one for “The Stagemasters”. Music starts at 7 pm on Sat. 28th.
“Oklahoma 59 South” will be at Ft. Smith Senior Activity Center on Cavanaugh Rd. this Friday 27th. It is also Potluck supper night. Bring a dish, eat as much as you want and dance it off to the Country sounds of this band.They are great. Starts at 7pm.
“Wildhorse” will be at The Mighty Crab seafood restaurant, 5707 Rogers Ave, Ft Smith of Sat. 28th. The Country music will be awesome and the food is good too. Music from 6-9 pm.
“Live Wire’ ft. Felicia McKenzie will be at La Huertas/Poteau on the 28th from 7 til 10pm.
“The Libby Starkes Band” will be close to home at the Sallisaw VFW on Sat. 28th. Libby will bring her best show and she is a favorite here. Start your Sat. Night anytime, the music starts at 9 pm.
New Year’s Eve scheduled events- If you like to celebrate, just not too loud or crowded, the perfect place will be Prima Italia on Tuesday 31st. Everything will be special from the 4 course menu to the five piece band. Reservations recommended for the evening. “The Nikki Waters Band ft. Don Bailey” also Al Grzech/keys, Joe Craine/Bass and Chris Beam/drums will be playing the dinner music. It’ll be Nikki’s best numbers, Jazz and Popular tunes and she delivers sweet, sad, sassy or soulful. It all kicks off with the first serving of a delicious Four Course dinner at 6 pm. It will be a special evening to ring in the New Year.
You will find me at the Spiro Eagles on NYE dancing(Ya, right) to “The Stagemasters”. Come go with me and I’ll save us a table. The party is quite a celebration. Cold drinks and snacks- Noise makers and Hats- Balloons and glitter. Dance starts at 8 pm and Auld Lang Syne at Midnite. Y’all Come!
“Live Wire” Will be Rockin’ in the New Year at Doug’s Watering Hole/Poteau. This will be a Par-Tee! It starts at 9 pm and goes til 1 pm.
“The Tribadours” start the party early at Joe’s Cantina/Ft. Smith. Music starts at 6pm and it’s the last Taco Tuesday of 2024. The band-La Donna Maul/Vocals and Mandolin, Ralph Hert/Harmonica and Larry Taylor/vocals and guitar, always delivers a special menu on Country, Classic Rock and Red Dirt music. Catch their show. Make your NYE resolutions. AND Keep’em.
“Sierra Bravo” will get the joint a jumpin’ in Fianna Hills. Ava’s is a good fit for these guys. They bring the right mix of music with great personalities and humor. Join this trio- Billy Hoffman, Scot Francis and Hillbilly Thunder(Dennis Dooley) and have a good time. 8 pm til Midnite.
That ain’t all that I got to say but it seems like a good place to stop. Contact me by text, 918-649-5736 or tj.wiles61@outlook.com. Thanks and Happy Holidays.
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