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Christmas thoughts: from my Xmas card this year



 In recent days, a lost manuscript from the files of Dr. Watson has come to  my attention.  

After Watson’s honorable discharge from Her Majesty’s forces he retired to London and, as everyone knows, he became the roommate of an eccentric detective at 221B Baker Street.

The new file reveals that on a certain Christmas day while residing there, Watson received a note from a young lady down the street (102A Baker) asking for a Christmas rendezvous. Delighted at the prospect, Watson hastily explained the matter to Sherlock Holmes, showed him the calling card from “Ellie,” and headed out. 

Just a few minutes later, a crestfallen Watson returned.  Sherlock Holmes was seated in his easy chair, smoking from his famously bent calabash pipe. He said, “I expected the round trip would take you a little longer, my friend. No matter, the plum pudding is waiting for you.”

This, as it happens, was the first time on that sacred day that the two men had had the leisure for a gift exchange, so they went about that convivial tradition with a combination of joviality and stiff upper lips. 

In due course, Watson returned to the subject of his earlier disappointment., “By Jove Holmes, you knew my trip would prove disappointing.  How did you deduce it?”      

Holmes, “No deduction was necessary here, old chap, just careful reading.  Miss Ellie was under the impression that she was leaving that card at 212B Baker Street. Not 221. A rather dashing young man happens to live at two-twelve B.. You may have met him on your walks.”

“Yes, yes.  Terry Eletantus, I believe his name is.” 

“Quite.  So you see, Doc -- and what I am about to say may someday receive imprecise repetition…” 

“Really?”

“Yes, Ellie meant Terry, my dear Watson.”  

And it is likewise elementary that I wish each of you the most satisfying of Christmases.

Merry Christmas 2025 and a Happy New Year 2026. 


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