Lots of paid time off to travel here, there and everywhere...

You are SO right cigalechanta!!
Without good health, you have nothing.
My Dad was recently diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus, and is now so thin and frail a tiny breeze could blow him over.
So Santa, for Christmas I want my Dad to recover, I want my old Dad back. . . .

Peace, love and good health for my family and everyone including all you fodorites.

Travel related:
Santa, please!! 2 weeks in Bora Bora..all expenses paid.

Boys and Girls, old Santa's back. I hit a big bump in the upper atmosphere and almost lost my sack of goodies, and I almost lost my lunch! But old Santa's back. I'm very busy right now, as you surely know, but I wanted to get back to you -- I need you to know that some things are hard for even old Santa. As much as I'd like to tell you, hauntedhead, borealis, and cigalechanta (whatever happened to names like Tom, Dick, and Mary?) that I can take care of bodily woes, it is way beyond me. I hear the Cat in the Hat has some magical powers, but old Santa is not up to that. But Santa knows that the best thing for that is for you to not just wish good health on your loved ones but to be there for them, especially at Christmas time. Don't be so worried about that Christmas goose (I give one to Mrs. Santa every Christmas!!!), and make that trip to the airport to pick up the family. Don't pack up and go to Bora-Bora or the hinerlands, instead spend some time with the family -- which of course should entail some travel, right? Nothing helps a recovery for a sick person than the one gift everyone can give -- love.

And peace -- I know it's in your hearts. Now, let's put it in the headlines!!! Old Santa used to be a speech-writer for a former president, guy by the name of McKinley, bet you didn't know that.

Now I've got to put my laptop back under the seat and keep my eyes on the road. Oh, my! It looks like a whopper up ahead. Come on Dancer, Prancer, get the lead out you packa mongrels!

Santa's on the way! Here I com..................arghhhhhhhhhh!!!

If I didn't have a crush on Santa already, this has done the Trick!!

Borealis, I know what you are going through, I can only send loving wishes to you and to your family and hope that he will return to his old self soon.
Miracles happen every day, I know that for a fact, so never give up!!

Thank you very much for your kind thoughts Scarlett. I wish I could "not give up", but unfortunately (because of my work) I know too much about cancer and its progression. The diagnosis, plus my Dad's age, is against him.
I know that this is supposed to be a cheery Christmas thread, but when cigalechanta wrote about good health, it really struck a chord with me. Sorry folks!!
Peace and love and good health to all!!
A.B.

Hang in there, Borealis.

Dear Santa,
For all Fodorites, a warm and happy holiday and a prosperous and travel filled new year.

Borealis: You will definitely be in my thoughts because I have been where you are right now. Keep the faith; like Scarlett said, miracles do happen, and I will pray for one for you and your dad.

Borealis, my dad had esophageal cancer 7 years ago, had his esophagus removed and is fine today at age 71. I tell you this because there is hope and I pray it comes your way.

Sorry to respond so late, but thanks, Scarlett.

I certainly wish good health to everyone; hope and courage to those dealing with illness in the family. Peace for everyone.

As far as Santa goes: my ultimate unrestrained wish would be to have the use of a private plane for my next trip to Italy, no waiting in line for anything....

Dear Santa,

Thank you for bringing me the flu before Christmas so I don't infect my family over the holidays.

I'm close to a free US round-trip ticket on FF points, so how about a few thousand to bump me over the limit.

And in the words of Sally Brown, $10's and $20's will do.

ncgrrl

My thoughts go out to everyone and happy holidays to all.

Santa I thought I remembered you from the old White House days - you old reprobate! Nice to have you back again.

Borealis - you can't imagine what the power of prayer can do - we were given that gift in the last year and were so grateful for all the love and prayers that were given. Those prayers also gave me the strength to make it through that time.

As for my Santa wish - well, I'd like two round-the-world tickets to use next year for Paris, Munich, Prague, Hong Kong, and Sydney.

I wish you all a very happy holiday and a healthy, prosperous new year.

Boy don't I sound like the materialistic, shallow, self-centered poop head?

I wish for all of you all and your families and healthy healthy holiday and thereafter.

Dear Santa,
This year I wish for SAFE travel experiences for me and all my fellow travelers.
Oh yeah...How about two weeks at the Post Ranch Inn and two weeks at La Casa Que Canta?
Your good boy,
billy

NO GoTravel, you did not sound shallow, etc..You are a good girl and Santa knows that!

Dear GoTravel, Having carried around the Tumi tote for 6 months now..I'd say go for the weekender bag! And, just to delight you and Scarlett I include this Dorothy Parker quote with which I identify readily..."Deep down inside of her, she really is quite shallow". Personally, I'd love a week in Paris,
a few bottles of "New Tradition" by Etro, 5 days in New York and someone besides me to caulk the bathtub! Happy Holidays everyone!

TO:
Scarlett, TravelerGina, JackOneill, Iregeo, LN & SantaClaus -

Thanks so much for the kind wishes and suggestions, your thoughtfullness has really touched my heart and made me cry.

If total strangers can be so caring, the world couldn't be such a bad place ater all.

I tried to make my Dad's Christmas very happy, and was repaid with a hug and an "I love you" - which for a guy of my Dad's generation and upbringing was so very totally unexpected and surprising!!

There is hope after all!!!

Thank you everyone, and wishing you a wonderful happy healthy New Year with lots of exciting travel plans!!

Last week I mentioned my sister was in the hospital and would probably not make it till Christmas. (this was in the thread about fruitcakes,when I said how much I'd miss my sister's annual fruitcake this year under the circumstances). Someone said Christmas is a time for miracles. Well the news is that yesterday they transfered her to a rehab center. I never new the word "rehab" could sound so good. Maybe miracles do happen on Christmas. Here's hoping for one for your dad, Borealis.

Patrick, of course, there are miracles! Every day! Some of them are small ones and we hardly notice them.
I am glad to hear about 'rehab', just you wait and see, more fruitcake just might be in your future!
Borealis, I wrote to you on the Canada forum..I am so glad that your Dad was able to give you your much deserved hug and "I love you" - I hope we all hang on to our loved ones as long as possible~
Happy New Year~ Scarlett