The Tale of the Christmas Trout
[image error]In yesterday's blog, CateS mentioned the game Dirty Santa. I hadn't ever heard it called that before, but I've played it several times at holiday parties. You know the one where you can choose a wrapped gift or take one of the opened ones someone else has already chosen. The year I remember it best, we played at a good friend's house and had a really wonderful time.
What I remember most about that particular game is the battle for the Christmas Trout, an ornament in pinks and greens that was maybe six inches long and definitely a good rendition of the real thing. Sparkling with strategically placed glitter, it fell somewhere between downright ugly and enchantingly kitsch. And of course, everyone at the party wanted it. I don't remember the actual battle tactics anymore, but my husband and I were among those that wanted to possess it. And being competitive sorts, we knew we had to have a plan. So being later in the draw, we worked out a strategy that involved me taking it, losing it and then my husband going in for the final steal. (In our game you could only take something so many times and then it was out of play).
We waited as the trout moved around the room, and then when my turn came—instituted our plan. As anticipated, the trout was liberated from my possession on the very next play. But cunningly, my husband swooped in for the final kill (or catch), winning the day—and the trout. Every year since, that trout has hung on our tree a reminder of a wonderful party spent with fabulous friends. And this year, as I take him from his box, and find that special place on the tree, I'll be remembering my friend, John, who along with his wife, Laura, brought the trout to the party in the first place.
John is gone, but his memory will always live on. Funny, how something as silly as a trout ornament can become not only a cherished possession, but the embodiment of a wonderful person who is no longer among us.
Long live the Christmas Trout!
Do you have ornaments that remind you of special times and special people?
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