December, 2004 - Nr. 12
Just a quick note: I am not coming home as early as I had anticipated. Some of our trading partners are going a bit kooky because of the weak American dollar. Thus I have an extra workload and have to stay on the job to the very last minute; even when I am home my laptop will be my steady companion. So do not plan too much for me.
But I cannot tell you how much I want that goose of yours with all the trimmings! That is my only Christmas wish, that and a roaring fire, a glass of red wine and a good book.
I
promise to take you shopping, since I do not even have time this year to
look for Christmas gifts. Remember, on and after Boxing Day you get more for
your money, Mom, so you can have twice as many presents from me! Won’t that
be fun!
Not once do I want to hear the word money, trading, stocks, exchange, or any other term related to banking or trading while I am home.
You told me that you are braking with tradition and you are not having a real tree in the house this year? Wow! What brought that on?
Wait, let me guess: the needles and all the work of cleaning it up, and you can put a tree up early this way and have people over and it will be more festive, and besides, the kids in the neighbourhood will like it better, and no one has to watch the cats and no more real candles and worry about fire…I get it! I agree. It is fine with me, Mom!
I know you will have vases full of pine branches and other evergreens mixed with exotic flowers to create that special Christmas fragrance. Together with the mulled wine and all the food smells it will be just the same as if the tree was real.
I am wondering though how you are going to decorate such a tree, since they really have not the ideal structure to hang things on, but rather need stuff thrown at them.
Too bad I am not going to be there to help. But I promise to do the extra dishes!
Will let you know my arrival time as soon as I know.
Got to run now. Keep the candle burning for me, Mom!
Your son
Martin
