Christmas

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Dear Holly: Putting Papa in Jail

4 years, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

You and your cousin Darla have this tradition of “putting Papa in jail” every time the two of you get together.

My understanding of it is that you “arrest” him by taking him to a closet, where he has to wait until the two of you hide, then he has to come find you.

Afterwards, it typically ends with him reading you a book; or a similar activity while you sit in his lap.

Especially now during Christmas break, I am hearing daily, “Papa, you have to go to jail!”

He has quite the criminal record by now.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: The Indoor Play Center at Your Cousins’ House

10 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

You and your sister are truly making the most of spending Christmas week with your cousins of the same age.

It is impossible to be bored or needy at their house; which contains an epic play room, equipped with plenty of dolls for the young girls; and two live baby kittens for you and your older cousin.

This picture summarizes it all.

No need for adult intervention. The four of you easily take care of yourselves in an environment like this.

All day long.

And to think, you all still haven’t even received your Christmas gifts yet!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Teaching You to Beat Me at Monopoly

10 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

This holiday season, I have officially introduced you to the classic board game of Monopoly. Sure, we’ve always owned a set at our house, but it’s simply served as an easy way for you and your sister to keep each other entertained when Mommy and I need to get work done.

Prime example: When the Covid shutdown happened earlier this year.

But I decided to spend some of my own money on a nice Monopoly set for us to actually play together, by the rules.

It is no surprise to me that I’ve only beat you at Monopoly once so far.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Getting Some Christmas Presents Early in the Mail

4 years, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

When you have so many family members spread across the United States, it’s going to mean that you’re bound to get a few Christmas presents early, in the mail.

You spent most of last weekend creating Play-Doh snacks, thanks to the huge new factory you received.

It was convenient for Mommy and me, as we needed to spend a lot of time moving furniture around upstairs, to prepare for the new carpet that was about to be installed.

I ate as many of your treats as I could. Good thing Play-Doh calories don’t carry the same weight as real food!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Decorating the Christmas Tree

10 years.

Dear Jack,

I think it was you who was most excited about putting up the Christmas tree this year. Granted, as Mommy pointed out, we have a ridiculously small tree for a family of four.

But still, it’s still big enough to (barely) fit all the ornaments we’ve collected together as a family.

You were so proud to be able to help me, as I had to climb up into the attic to bring down on the Christmas decorations.

Notably, our Christmas tree is mainly weighed down by all the ornaments you’ve made over the years.

Your sister has some catching up to do!

Love,

Daddy