This is a column I wrote for The Standard Times in December 2016.
I think I’ve always loved Christmas. When I was a child it was always that wonderful time of year when I hoped Santa hadn’t seen my brother Jeff and I fighting, everybody fights a little right?
Christmas morning was always magical. My mom was a single mother in the sixties but there were always toys. I would go to the tree in the morning and see all the presents that weren’t there the night before and wonder how that happened.
I know people who struggle at Christmas. They get stressed out because they have so much to do or they don’t like the commercialization of Christmas. I’ve always liked this time because we all seem to get along. I used to joke when I was on the radio the day after Christmas, “Well that’s enough ‘peace and goodwill’ for another year, let’s get to work.” I was only half – joking because I knew people like that.
Not everyone gets along of course. Both of my daughters have worked retail and I feel for those that have to work long hours especially this last weekend before the big day. I don’t know why people have to be so rude. I’ve always had great service when you “Kill ‘Em with kindness.”
I know people have suffered loss making this a difficult time of year but I hope there are pleasant memories for you in your past.
Maybe if we focus on the memories it can bring a smile to your face, even if only for a moment.
I came out of church the other day humming one of the hymns. I love this time of year because I recognize all the hymns. I had to laugh when we sang “Away In The Manger. ” I spent many years in choirs so I think I sang the soprano, alto, tenor and bass parts at different times. I even mixed them up, I figured whatever note I picked was right somehow.
Did you ever notice that you listen to some artists this time of year that you would never feature in your Playlist any other time? The other day I had some music playing when my daughter said, “Who is this? I want it for my playlist.” It was Karen Carpenter from the Carpenters Christmas album. I raised my children right!
Last weekend my wife made Christmas cookies and even though my stroke has affected my taste buds, I still made a pest of myself in the kitchen. It’s what I do, it’s tradition.
If life has changed for you this Christmas, it’s okay to look back on the memories and smile or laugh. I know it’s sad that those days are gone, but be happy you had them. And who says you can’t make new memories? I’ll be in Virginia this Christmas. I’ve never done that before. We’ll make new memories sitting around my daughter’s fake tree! (My new son-in-law is allergic, who knew?)
All traditions started somewhere, you may not even remember how or why. Merry Christmas my friend.
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