It felt a little different celebrating Christmas on a Sunday. Some of us got to enjoy a three-day holiday too. Monday off was like an extra Christmas present.

We got the opportunity to sleep in Monday morning, and a chance to make a hot breakfast. You also could take the whole family out for breakfast, which I would think is an uncommon event in most working families.

It’s another day to spend with family. I like it. I think we should celebrate Christmas on Sunday every year.

Alas, I know it’s not going to happen. Who am I to change the Julian calendar? But one can hope.

I do not have an update on our fundraising efforts today. As mentioned above, some of us had the day off, including the U.S. Postal Service employees. I am sure they earned it.

We did report Monday that this year’s campaign has raised a total of $38,981.92 to date. Our goal was to raise $30,000.

Because we exceeded the forecast of 525 children, we dipped into this year’s funds to purchase additional books and toys. We put together Christmas gift boxes for 626 children — 101 more than we planned.

Even with all the toys that were donated, we were seriously short in a few age groups. We went out and bought more toys to fill all the requests.

Raising the additional amount above the budget will put back what we needed to spend.

I know those of you who follow the daily Santa Claus Fund reports recognized the sudden jump one day, when we received requests to help 75 additional children late in the campaign.

That created a new concern, and I called a meeting of the committee. I explained what had happened, and asked for a vote to fill all the requests. Needless to say, it was unanimous to spend the extra dollars.

Our friends at Renys department stores delivered more toys the very next day. They are not only a supplier, but real friends of the Santa Claus Fund. Each year they find extra savings from suppliers, and then pass them on to us.

I don’t know how many years they have partnered with the fund, but in my eight years volunteering for the Santa Claus Fund, they have been there for us. Their ownership and their buyers are always very helpful.

I always remember Claire, Renys’ toy buyer, saying to me, “Try to select toys that have play value.” It took a minute for that to sink in, and then it hit me. Don’t purchase the toys they would open today and never use again. Purchase the toys the kids will use over and over again.

I never forgot that advice. When I bring or send the volunteers to help with the buying, I pass on Claire’s advice every time.

We are never too old to learn. I know that’s a cliché, but it’s true. Thanks, Claire, and thank you, Renys.

I hope to report more progress Wednesday when Mr. Mort can get into the mailbox. He will relay the information to me, and I will see to it that you receive an update.

Today will be a travel day for me and the Mrs., so I’m not sure of our arrival time. It should take between seven and eight hours to get back home, but you never know if traffic backs up somewhere.

The hour of our return might dictate the length of Wednesday’s report, but it will contain the names and amounts of donations received over the weekend.

news@timesrecord.com