Christmas Coyners

 

My long time friends, Peyton Coyner, and his wife Carol, both of whom died in 2025, have been a big part of my Christmas holiday since the 70s. I recall spending at least a day or two over the holidays with him and his wife,Carol, until I decamped to from Virginia to Arizona in 1982. After that we stayed in touch, exchanging cards, letters, visits, shared adventures, phone calls and Christmas gifts. As the years passed Peyton developed an impressive rubber stamp collection and the talent to use those stamps creatively; their holiday packages came with art and a cleverly illustrated holiday letter.

The postcard above is the first Christmas greeting Peyton sent to me in Phoenix, It doesn’t have any rubber stamp art but the poem still amuses me after all these years. I also received a box of various items and goodies. I don’t recall the actual contents but an ornament or two was probably included (many of my favorite ornaments came those packages over the years). The mailing box itself displayed a finely lettered name and address. Just to the side of my name was a well drawn stylized Santa head with fur-lined hat and adjacent gloved hand pointing to my name saying “It don’t seem like Christmas wit’ out this guy.” in speech balloon.

This year it’s me saying, “It don’t seem like Christmas wit’ out that guy.” No package or illustrated letter about trips, Carol being voted Favorite Teacher at Waynesboro High School for the umpteenth time, and dog updates (both resident and rescued). No Carol, either.

It’s still Christmas. Different now, and a bit sad at their passing, but still enriched by all of the time we shared over five decades and and the memories of that wonderful friendship. That’s a gift that will always be part of my holidays.