I get more charge out of spring, more bang out of the changing amber colours of autumn.
No, I'm not a Christmas fan. And truth to tell, never have been. In that way of things I made up for my lack of enthusiasm when my children were small. I'd have loads of people in, gallons of drink and food, hundreds of gifts stacked up against the blinking lights of the tree. And I'd still feel empty and try and fill the emptiness with alcohol, feeling defective and wondering what the eff was wrong with me anyway. As if all could be resolved and I'd be happy and jolly if only I could find the right button to push within myself.
Years later now and I do have the answer. I don't join in the merrymaking hysteria around me, the carts pouring out of Walmart and Costco loaded down with Chinese tat, grumpy, cranky faces at the helm, glaring at the world. Yeah, that was me. I can relate.
Now it's all very simple. Grandgirl has flown out here to the edge for 8 days and we (Daughter, Grandgirl, me, Ansa the dog and Sam the cat) will just spend it quietly, mainly in front of the fires in each others' places. Exchanging meaningful small gifts on Solstice and just hanging.
Together.
Together is such a powerful word.
We had our togetherness last weekend, it was good, Very Good. Plenty of chat and teasing, useful gifts, a nice meal. then the glow of the fire to warm our hearts.
ReplyDeleteGM:
ReplyDeleteProper t'ing as we say out in these parts. the only way to spend it :)
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right there with you regarding what has been shared.
ReplyDeletehopefully near family will be with me Christmas Eve
if they can avoid the flu.
The overblown hype around Christmas is quite absurd. Especially the idea that we'll all be beaming with happiness as we stuff ourselves with food and drink. I think most people secretly dread Christmas, despite the smiling masks they put on. They hate the expense, the over-indulgence, the excruciating Christmas parties, the enforced proximity of detested relatives and all the rest of it. Jenny and I will just be having a quiet Christmas on our own without any over-the-top nonsense.
ReplyDeleteSame here, good grub in front of log fire.....bliss.
ReplyDeleteto be quiet, to be contemplative, to wait, to be comforted, to give kindness to others…that is Christmas to me.
ReplyDeleteOWJ:
ReplyDeleteI hope flu won't throw the Christmas spirit out the door on you :(
all the best dear friend :)
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Nick:
ReplyDelete"enforced proximity of detested relatives" Oh my love that phrase indeed!
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Pamela:
ReplyDeletethe only way, isn't it. I remember only those special times in front of fire with a chosen few. The big crowds are long deleted apart from the occasional frisson of horror at the intruding memory :)
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DKZ:
ReplyDeleteNailed. Absolutely.
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Nice to enjoy the Solstice being with those you love and sitting before the fire. Tranquility.-- barbara
ReplyDeleteThe best part of it for me is definitely having my kids here. The presents part of it is minimal and we don't go overboard.
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