Kathy Riggs December 20th, 2009
During the hectic days before Christmas I manage to find time to read something from my Norman Rockwell’s Christmas Book. Although I have owned this copy for more than 25 years, I read for the first time an essay by early 20th Century author Booth Tarkington. Ironically the essay is titled “Christmas this Year” and its message is especially relevant in 2009.
The last year of World War II Tarkington recollected an experience, which occurred during the 1930s, a time of economic uncertainty like our country is facing today. In the midst of the Great Depression Tarkington learned a painting by Mainardi from the Florentine Renaissance was going on the auction block and could be purchased for far less than its worth. When Tarkington came home with the painting of the Virgin and the Christ child flanked by two other figures he set out on a quest to determine the identity of the thin, bearded man with a troubled expression carrying four loaves of bread. Tarkington learned the sad and grieving man was St. Nicholas of Bari. Over the centuries, mankind changed the image of St. Nicholas. He became jolly Ole St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Santa Claus.
In his essay Tarkington credits mankind’s belief that the world was growing better and kinder than it was in 1507, the date of the painting, for the troubled figure to transform into a jolly ‘ole elf that laughs and brings good cheer to children everywhere.
St. Nicholas of Bari knew only a cruel world and in the year Tarkington was writing, the world seemed cruel. “Christmas of this year needs the transfigured image of him – the jolly one who is merry because the world is wise – and kind.”
Today, in a world plagued by war, by terrorists and evening news filled with crime, Christmas this year needs the image of the jolly Ole St. Nick to helps us remember the magic and mystery of season…and the magic and mystery of the first Christmas. Luke told us that story in a book of the same name.
Merry Christmas
Kathy Riggs December 6th, 2009
The 2009 holidays are upon and it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activity. I was so involved with the Thanksgiving weekend activities that I forgot my weekly blog update! Forgive me. I’m only human.
Now that the season is here with all its gold and glitter you are probably catching yourself saying.”I’ll do that after Christmas…I’ll order this after Christmas…and the list goes on.
However, if you know you are putting your house on the market in the coming months, think about listing now and not waiting until “after Christmas”.
Why? There are many reasons…first the tax credit has been extended for first time homebuyers and it has been expanded to include current homeowners who have lived in their home for five of the past eight years. Many homebuyers will be house hunting on a deadline. To qualify for either tax credit a homebuyer must have a home under contract by April 30, 2010. The transaction must close on or before June 30, 2010. With the average closing taking 45 or more days, the 2009-2010 winter season should see more real estate activity than in recent winter seasons.
Another reason to list, even if you have decked the halls with boughs of holly, is many people are traveling and visiting relatives between mid-December and the first of the year, which in turn means there might be more shoppers looking in your neighborhood.
Worried about the Christmas mess…never fear, most houses look their best during the holidays. And what says, “welcome home” any better than a beautiful tree and the stockings that are hung by the chimney with care?
on the lighter side…
Real Estate Lingo Definitions: “House has charm and character” Translation: House is old and there will not be enough electrical outlets in one room for a computer, TV and DVD.
SHAMELESS PLUGS
I’m still looking for farmland and if you have any you are willing to sell, I have some interested buyers. I also need a 4 to 10 acre parcel. Call me at 252-939-2432 or email me at kriggs@kathyriggs.com for more information